Judul Artikel: What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy Causes And Treatments

Penulis:
Peter
Crosta
M.A.
Neuropathy is a collection of disorders that occurs when nerves of the
peripheral nervous system (the part of the nervous system outside of the brain
and spinal cord) are damaged. The condition is generally referred to as
peripheral neuropathy, and it is most commonly due to damage to nerve axons.
Neuropathy usually causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet. It can
result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic disorders, and exposure to
toxins. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes.
Neuropathy can affect nerves that control muscle movement (motor nerves) and
those that detect sensations such as coldness or pain (sensory nerves). In
some cases - autonomic neuropathy - it can affect internal organs, such as the
heart,
blood
vessels,
bladder,
or
intestines.
Pain from peripheral neuropathy is often described as a tingling or burning
sensation. There is no specific length of time that the pain exists, but symptoms
often improve with time - especially if the neuropathy has an underlying
condition that can be cured. The condition is often associated with poor
nutrition, a number of diseases, and pressure or trauma, but many cases have
no
known
reason
(called
idiopathic
neuropathy).
In the United States, about 20 million people suffer from neuropathy. Over half
of
diabetes
patients
also
suffer
from
the
condition.
How

is

neuropathy

classified?

Peripheral neuropathy can be broadly classified into the following categories:

Mononeuropathy - involvement of a single nerve. Examples include
carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve palsy, radial nerve palsy, and peroneal
nerve palsy.
Multiple mononeuropathy - two or more nerves individually affected.
Polyneuropathy - generalized involvement of peripheral nerves.
Examples include diabetic neuropathy and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Neurophathies may also be categorized based on a functional classification
(motor, sensory, autonomic, or mixed) or the type of onset (acute - hours or
days, subacute - weeks or months, or chronic - months or years).
The most common form of neuropathy is (symmetrical) peripheral
polyneuropathy, which mainly affects the feet and legs on both sides of the
body.
What

causes

neuropathy?

About 30% of neuropathy cases are considered idiopathic, which means they
are of unknown cause. Another 30% of neuropathies are due to diabetes. In
fact, about 50% of people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy. The

remaining cases of neuropathy, called acquired neuropathies, have several

possible causes, including:
Trauma or pressure on nerves, often from a cast or crutch or repetitive
motion such as typing on a keyboard
Nutritional problems and vitamin deficiencies, often from a lack of B
vitamins
Alcoholism, often through poor dietary habits and vitamin deficiencies
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and GuillainBarre syndrome
Tumors, which often press up against nerves
Other diseases and infections, such as kidney disease, liver disease,
Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Inherited disorders (hereditary neuropathies), such as Charcot-MarieTooth disease and amyloid polyneuropathy
Poison exposure, from toxins such as heavy metals, and certain
medications and cancer treatments
Who
gets
neuropathy?
Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy include several conditions and behaviors.
People with diabetes who poorly control their blood sugar levels are very likely
to suffer from some neuropathy. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis also increase one's chance of developing a neuropathy.
People who have received organ transplants, AIDS patients, and others who
have had some type of immune system suppression have a higher risk of
neuropathy. In addition, those who abuse alcohol or have vitamin deficiencies
(especially B vitamins) are at an increased risk. Neuropathy is also more likely
to occur in people with kidney, liver or thyroid disorders.
What

are

the

symptoms

of

neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms depend on several factors, chiefly where the affected

nerves are located and which type of nerves are affected (motor, sensory,
autonomic). Several types of neuropathy affect all three types of nerves. Some
neuropathies suddenly arise while others come on gradually over the course of
years.
Motor nerve damage usually leads to symptoms that affect muscles such as
muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms. It is not uncommon for this type of
neuropathy to lead to a loss of balance and coordination. Patients may find it
difficult to walk or run, feel like they have heavy legs, stumble, or tire easily.
Damage to arm nerves may make it difficult to do routine tasks like carry bags,
open
jars,
or
turn
door
knobs.
Sensory nerve damage can cause various symptoms, such as an impaired
sense of position, tingling, numbness, pinching and pain. Pain from this
neuropathy is often described as burning, freezing, or electric-like, and many
report a sensation of wearing an invisible "glove" or "stocking". These

sensations tend to be worse at night, and can become painful and sever. On the
contrary, sensory nerve damage may lead to a lessening or absence of
sensation,
where
nothing
at
all
is
felt.
Autonomic nerve damage affects internal organs and involuntary functions and
can lead to abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, reduced ability to perspire,
constipation, bladder dysfunction, diarrhea, incontinence, sexual dysfunction,
and
thinning
of
the
skin.
How

is

neuropathy

diagnosed?

Peripheral neuropathy is often not easy to diagnose. It is not a single disease,

but a symptom with often several potential causes. The standard diagnostic
process begins with a full medical history with physical and neurological exams
that will examine tendon reflexes, muscle strength and tone, the ability to feel
sensations, and posture and coordination. Blood tests are also common in order
for doctors to measure levels of vitamin B-12. Other common tests include
urinalysis, thyroid function tests, and a nerve conduction study that includes
electromyography (to measure electrical discharges produced in muscles).
Physicians may also recommend a nerve biopsy, where a small portion of nerve
is removed and examined under a microscope.
How is neuropathy treated?
There are a variety of treatments available for peripheral neuropathy. They
range from traditional pills and creams to special diets and therapies that
stimulate the nervous system. Antidepressants, especially tricyclics and
selective serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRI's), are a favored
treatment for neuropathies. They will relieve neuropathic pain in non-depressed
persons.
In June 2012, researchers from the University of Michigan School of Nursing
reported that Cymbalta (duloxetine), an antidepressant, can relieve the
symptoms
of
chemotherapy-induced
peripheral
neuropathy.
Another class of medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathy is that of
anticonvulsants. These medicines block calcium channels on neurons to limit
pain. Opioid narcotic treatments for neuropathy are used as well to treat the
condition, but are less favored because of the risk of dependency. However,
opioids have been the most consistently effective in reducing pain.
For some types of neuropathy, such as post-herpes neuralgia, physicians
recommend treatment with a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine. Topical
applications of capsaicin (the chemical that makes peppers hot) has also been
used
to
treat
neuropathic
pain.
Alternative therapies for peripheral neuropathy include cannabinoids (an class
of chemicals found in marijuana), Botulinum Toxin Type A (better known as

Botox), NMDA antagonists (such as ketamine), dietary supplements (such as

alpha lipoic and benfotiamine), chiropractic massages, yoga, meditation,
cognitive
therapy,
and
accupuncture.
A final class of therapies for neuropathy are called neuromodulators. These
include both implantable and non-implantable technologies (electrical and
chemical) such as spinal cord stimulators, implanted spinal pumps, electrodes
that stimulate the motor cortex of the brain, and methods called deep brain
stimulation.
How can neuropathy be managed and prevented?
There are several ways to manage neuropathy and prevent its symptoms. Good
foot health is important, especially for diabetics. Patients should check feet for
blisters, cuts, or calluses and avoid tight fitting shoes and socks. Doctors can
recommend an exercise plan that will reduce neuropathy pain and control blood
sugar levels. Patients should also quit smoking and eat healthful meals.
Massages of hands and feet may also aid neuropathy management by
stimulating nerves and temporarily relieving pain. Finally, it is advised to avoid
prolonged pressure on knees or elbows in order to prevent new nerve damage.
Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic
substance essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most
animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are
produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body
needs them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like we
should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders.

Vitamins are divided into two major groups: the fat-soluble vitamins
designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and the
water-soluble vitamins which include vitamin C and the group of molecules
referred to as the vitamin B complex. Each of them has its own special role
in the development of human body.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps
us to see in dim light and also at night. Vitamin A is also involved in the
formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development,
reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells (that line any
opening to the body e.g.; nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines
and urinary tract). Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach,
sweet potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter,
broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow vegetables

or fruits. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like:
night blindness and drying of skin.

Vitamin B
Vitamin B itself is a complex of different vitamins like: B1, B2, B6, B12,
niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very
important in metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which
carry oxygen throughout your body). They also help your body make protein
and energy. The sources of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables seafood,
beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (such as wheat and oats), poultry,
meats, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our
large intestine also prepare some type of B-vitamins.
The deficiency of vitamin B can cause the disease Beri Beri, cracked lips,
weak muscles, malformation of red blood cells, affects normal growth and
disturbs the nervous system.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital
to the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones,
cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It is important for keeping body
tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape and it helps in quick
healing of wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A
and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. The vitamin C can be found in
citrus fruits (like lemon & orange), cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes,
broccoli, cabbage and in other fresh fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of
vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a
disease called Scurvy which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising,
bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle
wasting, and many other problems.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and
the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to
control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. It
is this vitamin you need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your
body absorb the amount of calcium it needs. Vitamin D can be found in fish
liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D. It
is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light and sunlight.

The deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in
children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea,
headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in
body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of
body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from
becoming damaged by polluted air.
This vitamin can be found in whole grains (such as wheat and oat), wheat
germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and
seeds.
The deficiency of this vitamin can cause many diseases like cancer,
diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

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Natural Weight Loss: When you do not have to Go Over

Eat right, keep moving.

You just have read all that you need to know about how to prevent being
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Of course, once we are overweight, we usually want to trim down for a

whole lot of reasons, some related to health, others having to do with looks.

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Health experts say that most people who are into losing weight usually
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But despite the momentum toward weight gain, you can stop it from
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In fact, some health experts contend that the significance of excess weight
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The Way to Losing WeightNaturally

The nuts and bolts of eating right maintaining a healthy weight is not all that
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Moreover, health experts say that dietary fat promotes weight gain because
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One of the greatest delusions of the 1990s is that no fat means nonfattening. The truth is, you are often getting just as many calories from the
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When you feel the urge for food coming on, snacking on something healthy
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