Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by tingling, numbness, and tingling sensations in the hands and feet due to injury to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves). Additionally, it can impact other bodily functions like digestion, urine, and circulation.
Central nervous system information is transmitted to the rest of your body via your peripheral nervous system. This information is also sent to the central nervous system through peripheral nerves.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various things, including trauma, infection, metabolic issues, hereditary factors, and contact with toxic substances. Diabetic complications are among the most prevalent.
Most people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy report stabbing, burning, or tingling discomfort. Treatable conditions are often the cause of symptoms that can be alleviated. Peripheral neuropathy can be made tolerable with the use of medication.
Peripheral neuropathy is divided into what kinds?
Peripheral neuropathy can have more than a hundred varieties, each with its unique set of signs, symptoms, and prognosis. Nerve damage associated with diabetes can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This traumatic injury occurs due to long-term repeated use of the wrists and hands, like using a computer.
Myotonic dystrophy
An injury to the nerves and muscles that allow us to move our arms and hands and talk is what we’re dealing with here.
Neuropathy of the senses
Sensory neuropathy affects the group of nerves that control the sensations of pain, warmth, and light touch.
Neuropathy of the autonomic nerves
Autonomic nerves govern conscious bodily activities like heartbeat and breathing. Nerve damage in this area can be life-threatening.
Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy is a condition in which a single peripheral nerve is damaged or injured. The most prevalent cause is an accident-related injury or trauma. A mononeuropathy can be brought on by repeated, continuous motions or prolonged pressure on a nerve due to inactivity, such as laying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair.
A variety of factors can cause peripheral neuropathy
Damage to the nerves in the extremities is known as peripheral neuropathy. Several conditions can induce peripheral neuropathy, including:
Autoimmune diseases
The autoimmune illnesses Sjogren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and vasculitis can produce neuropathy.
Diabetes
In the United States, this is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 60% to 70% of diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. The small fiber form of neuropathy, which causes painful burning sensations in the feet and hands, is most commonly caused by diabetes.
Infections
Neuropathy can be caused by various viral and bacterial diseases, including Lyme disease, shingles, leprosy, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, diphtheria, chickenpox, and HIV as herpes, syphilis, leprosy, and the West Nile virus.
It is possible to inherit an illness
The most frequent form of hereditary neuropathy is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) illness. The lower leg and foot muscles are affected, and this disorder affects the muscles in the hands. Fabry’s illness Examples of hereditary diseases that can produce neuropathy include amyloidosis and metachromatic leukodystrophy.
Tumors
Growths, both cancerous and non-cancerous, can pressure nerves or develop on nerves, depending on the type of growth. Polyneuropathy can also occur due to some tumors that affect the body’s immune system.
Diseases of the bone marrow
Monoclonal gammopathies, a type of bone cancer that includes myeloma, lymphoma, and amyloidosis, are examples of these diseases.
Diseases not listed here
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate thyroid hormone.
Neuropathies can also be caused by:
Alcoholism
This deficiency in thiamine and other vital nutrients is exacerbated by chronic alcoholism, resulting in a poor diet or an absence of a well-rounded diet. In addition, it is immediately hazardous to the peripheral nerves.
The inhalation of toxins
Toxic substances, such as heavy metals like lead and mercury, and industrial chemicals, particularly solvents, can disrupt nerve function. Toxic chemicals, such as glue or pesticides, can cause nerve damage if inhaled through chemical abuse or in the workplace.
Damage to the nerve or pressure on it
An injury to the spine or extremities might harm the nerves in the arms and legs. Using crutches or a cast, repetitive motions like typing, or a restriction of the space through which nerves travel are all possible causes of nerve pressure.
A lack of essential vitamins and minerals
Vitamin B12, vitamin E, and niacin play a role in healthy neuron function.
Disorders of the circulatory system
Inflammation, blood clots, or other blood vessel problems can impede or reduce blood flow to the legs and arms, resulting in neuropathy. Nerve cell death or injury can occur due to a decrease in blood supply to the nerves. Diabetes, smoking, and vasculitis can all create vascular issues.
Absence of a cause
Neuropathy may have an unknown or idiopathic origin in some circumstances.
Contact Skin Aura Brain and Spine Neuro Center immediately away for medical attention if your hands or feet are experiencing strange tingling, weakness, or discomfort. Treating your symptoms as soon as possible is the most excellent strategy for preventing more nerve damage and regulating your symptoms.