The word “neuropathy” is used to refer to several different conditions that affect the nerves located throughout the body. Neuropathy can be brought on by a wide variety of factors, such as hereditary factors, underlying medical conditions, trauma, or exposure to environmental toxins. In this piece, we will talk about the most prevalent causes of neuropathy, how these causes affect your nervous system, and the various treatment options that are available for this condition.
Diabetes
The condition known as neuropathy is most frequently brought on by diabetes. Up to 50% of diabetes patients will experience some form or other of neuropathy within their lifetime. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, which can result in pain, tingling, and numbness in your hands, feet, legs, and feet. This condition, known as diabetic Neuropathy, is often a sign that you are not managing your blood sugar well.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs, which are powerful medications that target cancer cells, are used to kill them. But they can also cause damage to healthy cells, including nerve cells, in the body. Many symptoms can result from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. These include mild numbness or tingling and severe pain. Most patients experience no symptoms after the treatment has ended, although some suffer from long-term effects.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders refer to conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and even the nerves. Multiple sclerosis, Guillain Barre, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), can all contribute to neuropathy. In these cases, the immune response mistakenly attacks myelin, which protects and surrounds nerves. This can cause a wide range of symptoms.
Infections
Neuropathy can be caused either by an infection that attacks the nerves directly or by activating the immune system. Lyme disease (HIV/AIDS), Lyme disease, Lyme Disease, and Hepatitis C are some examples of infections that may cause neuropathy.
Toxins
Neuropathy can also occur when you are exposed to certain chemicals and toxic substances. Some examples include arsenic or mercury, as well as solvents such as gasoline and cleaning products. These chemicals can damage nerves and prevent them from transmitting signals throughout the body. To prevent exposure to these substances, you must take the necessary precautions.
Injuries
Neuropathy can also be caused by nerve injuries, such as dislocations and fractures. This can occur if a nerve gets pinched or compressed for too long, or damage to nerve fibers. Neuropathy can also occur when the spinal cord is injured. This is because the nerves running through the spinal column transmit messages throughout the body.
Genetics
Sometimes, neuropathy may be a result of genetic factors. A variety of symptoms can be caused by certain inherited conditions. Charcot-Marietooth disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and hereditary neuropathy with liability for pressure palsies (HNPP) are all examples. These conditions are typically diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. However, symptoms may not be present until later in life.
What Are The Treatment Options Available?
You may be wondering what is a neuropathy doctor does in treating neuropathy. The treatment for neuropathy will depend on its fundamental causes, and a neurologist can help identify these causes in a patient. In some cases, treating the underlying disease alone may be sufficient to alleviate neuropathy symptoms. Controlling blood sugar can delay the progression of diabetic neuropathy. In other cases, medication may be given to treat symptoms like pain, swelling, tingling, and even numbness. Muscle strength can be maintained and further nerve damage can be avoided with exercise and physical treatment.
Conclusion
Neuropathy is complex and can be caused by a variety of factors. To create a successful treatment plan, it is important to identify the cause. Neuropathy is a condition that causes symptoms. If you are facing any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with a qualified medical practitioner available at South Valley Neurology as soon as possible. They will assist you in determining the underlying reason for your condition and will make recommendations regarding possible treatments.
