Before we dive deep into the methods of how peripheral neuropathy can be treated let us see what it is and how it affects the human body over time. Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system of the body. The peripheral nervous system refers to the part where the messages are carried through nerves to and from the brain as well as from the spinal cord to the whole body. Peripheral neuropathy damages this network of nerves causing immense weakness and aches all around the body.
Since it is a dangerous disease and affects a crucial part of the body, it needs proper diagnosis as well as treatment. Top doctors suggest the following methods of treatment for acute as well as new patients of peripheral neuropathy.
Medications: Medications can be thoroughly used to treat peripheral neuropathy as well as provide temporary relief from all the pain that comes with it along with treating the symptoms.
- Pain Killers- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be a suitable option to use as a painkiller to treat the immense body ache caused by peripheral neuropathy. But in all cases, doctors should be consulted first before taking any kind of medications. Usually, painkillers like oxycodone and tramadol are not prescribed since their main constituent is opioids that can be very addictive over long usage.
- Anti-Seizure Medications- Components like gabapentin and pregabalin are very good and suitable options to reduce and soothe aches and treat nerve pain temporarily. Anti-seizure medications are in common use prescribed by doctors to treat peripheral neuropathy. Though these include side effects like drowsiness.
- Topical Medications- Capsaicin cream is a popular medication used for treating nerve pain. This cream essentially contains components that are found in peppers and can show side effects like burning and itching on the skin which tends to soothe over time. Apart from that, lidocaine patches are prescribed which is a very safe method of treating nerve pain temporarily but includes side effects like dizziness and numbness wherever used.
- Antidepressants- Antidepressants are specially designed to treat pain and aches. Certain antidepressants like doxepin and amitriptyline are reported to be treating peripheral neuropathic pains effectively. Though they possess a lot of unwanted side effects like nausea, weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, and much more.
Therapies: Certain therapies and medical interventions can treat peripheral neuropathy effectively.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)- This method creates a suitable balance between the electrodes present in the body through electric shocks bringing the functions of the nerves into place to a huge extent and can give relief from pain. This is a technique that should be applied regularly for maximum effectiveness.
- Plasma Exchange and Intravenous Immune Globulin- This method filters the blood from all the plasma and other antibodies. Instead, it fills the blood with vital proteins and injects it back into the body to soothe the nerves that are damaged due to peripheral neuropathy. This also teases up the immune system for proper functioning and correct nutrient injection.
- Physical Therapy- Direct massages and physiotherapy can help to soothe the cramped up and damaged nerves which are the root cause for pain. It improves movement but inevitably takes time.
- Surgery- There are several reasons for neuropathic disorders among which excess pressure on nerves is one. Tumors are a leading cause of pressure on nerves that need to be removed surgically. In that case, the only operation can be the solution for the problem.
Peripheral Neuropathy is a serious nerve condition that can be lethal. Proper and timely medical intervention can be effective in most cases whereby the treatment can be life-saving.