Neuropathy: symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the general term for pain or damage to nerves. This condition can affect some or all of the nerves in the body. Neuropathy can be caused by certain medical conditions, pinched nerves, or injuries.

In the medical world, there are more than 100 types of nerve damage, but in general, neuropathy can be divided into five types, namely peripheral, proximal, cranial, autonomic, and focal neuropathies. Each type of neuropathy has different symptoms and causes.

How common is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a very common health condition. Sufferers come from all age groups, but usually older people are more at risk of developing this condition.

Neuropathy is also commonly found in people with diabetes. As many as 60 to 70 percent of sufferers show symptoms of neuropathy.

This condition also affects female patients more often than men. In addition, people with jobs that frequently perform repetitive (repetitive) movements are also more susceptible to this condition.

Type

What are the types of neuropathy?

As previously mentioned, neuropathy is divided into 5 general types. This division is based on which nerves are damaged.

Here are the five most common types of neuropathy:

1. Peripheral neuropathy

This type is most common in patients. This condition results from damage to the nervous system in the brain and spine. Nerve damage in this area can affect the legs, arms, hands and fingers.

Peripheral neuropathy can be further divided into 2 types, namely mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy. Mononeuropathy affects one peripheral nerve, whereas polyneuropathy affects all parts of the peripheral nerves.

2. Proximal neuropathy

Proximal nerve damage is rare and affects the nerves in the thighs, waist and buttocks. Proximal neuropathy usually only occurs on one side of the body, rarely can spread to other parts of the body. Proximal neuropathy is more common in men than in women. Usually at the age of over 50 years and have high blood sugar and cholesterol (triglyceride) levels

3. Cranial neuropathy

In cranial neuropathies, damage occurs to the brain or trunk. Damage to these areas can affect eye and facial movements.

Bell's palsy is one of several diseases that includes a type of cranial neuropathy.

4. Autonomic neuropathy

Damage occurs in the involuntary nervous system that regulates the heart, excretory system, digestive system, body temperature, blood circulation, sweat glands, and the function of the reproductive organs.

5. Focal neuropathy

Focal neuropathy is one of the rarest neurological disorders. Usually, damage is found to the nerves located in the wrists, head, or feet, although sometimes it also occurs to the nerves in the back, chest, and eyes.

The diseases most commonly associated with focal neuropathy are carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Signs & symptoms

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy shows a variety of symptoms, depending on the type and location of the nerves affected.

Symptoms can appear suddenly or what is known as acute neuropathy. In other cases, symptoms develop over time, which is also known as chronic neuropathy.

In general, nerve damage conditions have the following symptoms:

• Tingling sensation
• Numb
• Pain in certain body parts

When divided according to the type of nerve affected, neuropathy will show symptoms that vary as below:

1. The autonomic nerves

The autonomic nerves are responsible for controlling body activities unconsciously or semi-consciously. If you experience damage, the symptoms that may be felt are:

• Inability to feel chest pain, such as angina or heart attack
• Too much sweating (or hyperhidrosis) or too little sweating (or anhidrosis)
• Dizzy
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Constipation
• Bladder dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction

2. Motor nerves

Motor nerves play a role in controlling human movement and actions. If you have neuropathy, the symptoms are as follows:

• Limp
• Muscle atrophy
• Seizures, or fasciculation
• Paralysis

3. Sensory nerves

The nerves that function to deliver pain and other sensations can be damaged, which is indicated by the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Sensitivity
• Numb
• Tingling or feeling prickly
• Feeling burning
• Impaired position awareness.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

Neuropathy usually causes the above symptoms. However, there are times when the sufferer doesn't show any symptoms.

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, consult your doctor.

Each body functions differently and shows symptoms that vary from one another.

Always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution and treatment for your situation.

Cause

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that can be caused by a variety of things. Nerve damage can be caused by aging, as is often the case with peripheral neuropathy.

In other cases, damage can also result from an injury that causes the nerve to stretch, become severed, or pinched.

The following are some of the causes that can trigger nerve damage, namely:

1. Autoimmune disease

Several autoimmune diseases that attack the nervous system can cause neuropathy, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare condition in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves), inflammatory digestive disease, myasthenia gravis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis .

2. Cancer and tumors

Tumor cells can sometimes enter and press on nerve fibers, so that they can trigger damage. In addition, the immune system response of cancer patients can also affect nerve damage.

3. Kidney and liver problems

If the kidneys and liver have problems, the blood will contain more toxic levels than usual. This can lead to nerve tissue damage.

4. Chemotherapy drugs

As many as 30 to 40 percent of cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy treatment can develop polyneuropathy. Radiation therapy also shows symptoms of nerve damage, although the effects can only be seen months or years afterward.

5. Diabetes

The number of people with diabetes who experience nerve damage is quite high, ranging from moderate to severe damage to the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems.

6. Trauma

A body that is seriously injured in an accident can experience serious trauma and lead to nervous system damage.

7. Drug side effects and toxic substances

Taking certain drugs can contribute to nerve damage. In addition, smoking and drinking alcohol also allow the body to accept toxic substances, resulting in severe neuropathic symptoms.

Toxic substances that may be accidentally ingested, including lead, arsenic, and mercury, also cause nerve damage.

8. Motor nerve disease

Diseases that affect the motor nervous system, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease, can result in nerve damage that worsens over time.

9. Nutritional deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain nutrients, including vitamins B6 and B12, may cause symptoms of pain and nerve damage.

10. Infectious diseases

Viral-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, herpes, HIV, and hepatitis C can damage the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a disease that can affect anyone. However, there are various factors that increase your chances of getting this disease.

The following are risk factors that can cause you to develop this disease, namely:

• Has old age
• Have certain medical conditions
• Have family members with nervous disorders
• Previously had nerve damage
• Have cancer
• Have a tumor
• Exercising hard and at high risk
• Have a tough job
• Do repetitive movements almost every day

Diagnosis

How can neuropathy be diagnosed?

Since nerve damage is divided into various types and symptoms, it is generally difficult to diagnose the disease accurately. Usually, the doctor will perform several kinds of examinations and tests as follows:

1. Early diagnosis

• Ask about medical history

The doctor will ask you what symptoms you feel, risk factors such as work environment, daily habits, exposure to toxic substances, alcohol consumption, presence of infectious diseases, and whether other family members have had neurological diseases.

• Physical and neurological tests

After that, the doctor will usually perform a neurological examination to identify the cause of neuropathic disorders, as well as the extent and type of nerve damage. Through this test, doctors can find out any diseases or health problems that can cause nerve damage, such as diabetes.

• Blood test

The doctor will also draw your blood and check if you have diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver dysfunction, metabolic disorders, infections, and abnormal immune system activity.

Then, the doctor will perform a series of additional tests if he wants to know how severe the nerve damage is and what measures to take.

2. Nerve function tests

There are two types of nerve function tests that doctors can perform, namely:

• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)

This test, which measures the strength and speed of signals in motor and sensory nerves, is used to determine the type of nerve that is damaged.

• Electromyography (EMG)

In an electromyography test, a very small needle is inserted into one of the muscles to record electrical activity while it is relaxing and contracting. This test aims to determine the presence of abnormal electrical motor nerve activity, and to distinguish between muscle and nerve disorders.

3. Neural display neuropathological test

There are two types of tests that your doctor may order:

• Nerve biopsy

In this test, your doctor will remove a section of your nerve tissue, usually the sensory nerves in your lower leg. Although the results are more detailed and accurate, this test carries the risk of further damaging nerve function and causing chronic pain.

• Neurodiagnostic skin biopsy

Similar to a nerve biopsy, the doctor takes a small part of your skin to examine nerve fiber endings.

4. Autonomous test

Several types of autonomic tests are performed for peripheral nerve damage, one of which is the QSAT test. This test aims to determine the presence of nerve fibers that are not working normally, especially in cases of polyneuropathy.

5. Radiology test

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI test of the spine can show if there is a pinched nerve, tumor, or other internal problem.

• Computed tomography (CT scan)

Through a CT scan, the doctor can find out a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), tumors, bone and blood vessel damage that may affect nerves.

Medicines & Medicines

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat neuropathy?

Depending on how severe the nerve damage is, the treatment you will need will vary.

In cases of mild neuropathy, the doctor will recommend getting adequate rest and prescribing pain medications such as tricyclic antidepressants and certain anti-seizure medications.

The following are some of the medications that are often prescribed by doctors

• Vitamin B12 injection
• Steroids, to relieve inflammation
• Immunosuppressant drugs, to reduce immune system activity
• Immunoglobulin injection
• Amitriptyline, for headache relief
• Duloxetine, to relieve urinary tract problems
• Capsaicin cream
• Tramadol

In addition, the doctor will also ask you to do the following:

• Maintain blood sugar levels for people with diabetes
• Correcting nutritional deficiencies
• Change medications if they cause nerve damage
• Physiotherapy or surgery to treat pressure or trauma to the nerves
• Perform treatment on autoimmune conditions.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, your doctor will discuss different methods of repairing the nerve and come up with a treatment plan that works for you.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can treat neuropathy?

Nerve damage can be minimized by changing your lifestyle and using home remedies.

This will not only help prevent neuropathy symptoms from appearing, but your overall body health will be maintained.

Lifestyle and home remedies you can do below to treat nerve damage:

1. Exercise light regularly

By exercising regularly, nerve damage can heal faster and you will avoid muscle death.

2. Stop smoking

Smoking can affect and worsen neuropathy symptoms. Therefore, if you are an active smoker, try to quit.

3. Reduce caffeine consumption

Caffeine, which is usually found in coffee, can reduce the quality of your sleep. This can affect the severity of nerve damage symptoms and cause discomfort.

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol consumption can also trigger the re-appearance of neuropathy symptoms.

5. Compress the sick body parts

If neuropathy symptoms appear and you experience pain in a certain body part, you can try to relieve it by compressing the affected area of ​​the body.

If you have questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment.