Neuropathy is defined as the medical condition that occurs as a result of the involvement and damage of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves). Peripheral neuropathy can occur as a result of injuries caused by trauma and accidents, bacterial or viral infections, metabolic diseases, genetic variations, and exposure to toxins. A common cause is diabetes, and the management of this condition is more difficult compared to others.
This disease, which in some cases appears without any underlying cause, can be seen in people of all age groups. The treatment of the disease is planned and performed by specialist doctors depending on the underlying causes.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Many different problems can be among the causes of neuropathy. These can be listed as follows:
Diabetes: It is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. More than half of the people with diabetes have the potential to develop neuropathy.
Vitamin Deficiency: Due to the deficiency of B-group vitamins in the body, problems such as forgetfulness and dementia may occur. In addition, peripheral neuropathy in sensory nerves and damage to the spinal cord may develop.
Infections: Various viral or bacterial infections such as shingles, Lyme, CMV, and EBV can cause peripheral neuropathy to emerge.
In addition to these, other conditions that may cause it are:
- Certain medications used
- Genetic factors
- Tumors
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Connective tissue disorder
What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?
Every nerve in the peripheral system has a specific function. Therefore, symptoms occur depending on the type of affected nerves. The symptoms of neuropathy may vary from person to person. While different types of nerves can be affected at the same time, symptoms may vary depending on the type of affected nerve. Nerves can be classified as motor nerves, autonomic nerves, and sensory nerves.
The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are as follows:
- Numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the hands and/or feet
- Loss of strength in the hands and feet and gait abnormality
- Muscle wasting in the affected area, delayed wound healing, hair loss on the arms or legs, deformity in the hands and feet, detachment of nails
- Muscle weakness, difficulty in movement, foot drop, paralysis
- Loss of muscle control and uncontrolled activity
- Loss of balance and clumsiness
What Are the Risk Factors for Peripheral Neuropathy?
Conditions that are among the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy can be listed as follows:
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol use
- Family history of neuropathy, genetic predisposition
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially the deficiency of B-group vitamins in the body
- Various infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Kidney diseases
- Liver failure
How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of neuropathy is determined as a result of examinations and evaluations performed by a specialist doctor. The diagnostic stage is a combination of several methods and can be listed as follows
- Symptoms, complaints, and medical history,
- Physical and neurological examination,
- Imaging techniques and laboratory tests
In addition to these, the most common tests and imaging methods used during the diagnostic stage are:
- Blood tests
- Electromyogram (EMG)
- Nerve ultrasound
- Nerve biopsy
- Genetic tests
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?
Neuropathy treatment is planned and performed by a specialist doctor depending on the underlying causes. A treatment plan suitable for the patient is made by taking into consideration his medical history and the diseases he has. The treatment methods are as follows:
- Drug therapy
- Physical therapy
- Surgical intervention (Surgery)
- Foot care and hygiene
- Different pain treatments such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or injections