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  • Neuropathy
    Neuropathy (also known as Peripheral neuropathy) is a condition wherein the nerves of the body are damaged (from injury or disease) and thus fail to function normally. This affects the communication between the nerves and the brain. It is a fairly common condition and can affect people of all ages. It is however, more common in men and the elderly, and those with a family history of inherited neuropathy.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 16 November 2019

A multifocal approach is required to address the symptoms and treat the cause while providing relief to the patient.

  • Underlying Cause: This entails detecting and treating the original cause of the neuropathy, as that can then lead to recovery by first healing the damaged nerves and regrowth of destroyed nerves. For instance if it is a complication of diabetes, regulating the blood sugar levels, losing weight and exercising morewill be the aim of treatment. For vitamin deficiency, start on B12 injections or supplements. In case of an infection, treat with antibiotics; if it due to a drug side-effect, stop that medication right away. Patients who suffer from autoimmune conditions can try immunosuppressive drugs, immunoglobulins, antibiotics or plasma transfusions to reduce inflammation.
     
  • Pain relief: Nerve pain often needs painkillers starting with paracetamol and ibuprofen and then moving up to stronger drugs like tramadol, which is an opioid. Other approaches known to ease neuropathic pain include medication used to treat depression, anxiety, epilepsy and headaches experienced by patients. This means that an anti-depressant may be prescribed even if the patient is not depressed. Such drugs commonly include nortriptyline, SSRIs, gabapentin, tapenodol (new drug approved for diabetic neuropathy) etc. Lidocaine in patch and ointment form and capsaicin cream (a substance found in hot chilies) is found to provide relief from localized pain and itching. In some cases such as Trigeminal neuralgia, Carpel Tunnel, Slipped disc etc. Surgery can help ease the nerve compression. TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a non-invasive method known to improve neuropathic pain and is commonly used in diabetic neuropathy.
     
  • Symptom relief: Respite from symptoms can greatly aid in providing comfort and reducing the patient’s distress. For example, physiotherapy can help patients who have muscle weakness. Occupational therapy and mechanical aids like orthopedic shoes or braces can help cope with balance and movement issues. Symptoms such as urinary incontinence, impotence, constipation etc. can benefit from appropriate medications to treat the same. Blood pressure medications and monitoring can help patients with hypotension. Patients can also avail of complimentary therapies such as acupuncture, ayurvedic herbs and supplements for relief. Make sure to always get your doctor’s approval before starting any complimentary therapies.

 

Condition

Stories

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  • Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy - Symptoms and Management
    The prevalence of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is as high as 68% of all patients and 30% even six months after chemotherapy. It is important to understand the cause and find ways to deal with the pain. Caregivers should not dismiss the pain. Dr. Shital Raval explains CIPN, the symptoms and approaches for management of CIPN.   When the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are affected or damaged, it causes a condition called peripheral neuropathy. While…
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    Coping With Peripheral Neuropathy
    A 74 year old man Swamy* shares his experience of suddenly developing Peripheral Neuropathy, how it has affected his day to day living and the lifestyle changes he has established to help cope better.   I was diagnosed last year in March 2019. I was at my Chennai home when unexpectedly, I could not walk and my eyes also gave away. I could feel my toes getting numb. I sat down and decided to see a doctor. The next day, I went to Apollo hospital to meet with Dr Ganesh, who is a…
  • Neuropathy Treatment
    A multifocal approach is required to address the symptoms and treat the cause while providing relief to the patient. Underlying Cause: This entails detecting and treating the original cause of the neuropathy, as that can then lead to recovery by first healing the damaged nerves and regrowth of destroyed nerves. For instance if it is a complication of diabetes, regulating the blood sugar levels, losing weight and exercising morewill be the aim of treatment. For vitamin deficiency, start on B12…
  • Management of Neuropathy
    Neuropathy can have a major impact on one’s quality of life, hence incorporating daily management techniques along with treatment can be very helpful. These can be: Dietary changes to include healthy well-balanced meals rich with nutrients and vitamins to fulfill any deficiencies. Quitting alcohol and tobacco use can have immense benefits for the heart, kidney and liver. Loss of excessive body weight is known to greatly improve mobility and health. Daily exercise to strengthen weak muscles is…
  • Neuropathy Tests and Diagnosis
    A clinical examination is essential to the diagnosis of neuropathy. This will include a thorough medical history (social habits, alcohol/tobacco use, risk of infections, family history etc.), physical exam, and a neurological exam to test the reflexes of the motor and sensory nerves. If suspected of any specific diseases, a blood test may be ordered for diabetes, vitamin deficiency, liver and kidney function etc. In addition, scans such as CT or MRI may be done to investigate the cause of…
  • Prevention of Neuropathy
    Lifestyle changes can prevent risk factors that are likely to induce neuropathy; these include smoking and alcohol cessation, avoiding exposure to toxins, losing weight, eating healthy and correct vitamin deficiencies. If you have a known chronic kidney, systemic or autoimmune disease, make sure to keep it under check. For diabetics, tight control of blood sugar level and daily foot care can be very advantageous. Early recognition and treatment of neuropathy can slow down progression and even…
  • Types of Neuropathy
    Types and Complications of Neuropathy There are numerous types of neuropathies identified, based on the types of nerves damaged. There are 3 types of nerve fibers that can be affected and most doctors will use these terms to describe the diagnosis: Motor: these are nerves that control muscle movement e.g. walking, talking, holding etc. Sensory: these are nerves that transmit sensations e.g. pain, touch, temperature etc. Autonomic: these are nerves responsible for regulating unconscious…
  • Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy
    The types of nerves affected reflect the symptoms and signs experienced by the patient. Motor Sensory Autonomic Weakness Tingling Sweat excessively or not at all Cramps Numbness Difficulty swallowing Spasms Pain (shooting or stabbing) Nausea and vomiting Difficulty walking or moving Sensitivity to touch (burning sensation) Dizziness or fainting Loss of balance and coordination Difficulty sleeping due to pain Diarrhea or constipation Loss of reflexes Sensation of wearing…
  • Causes And Risk Factors of Neuropathy
    Injury is the most common cause of nerve trauma from accidents, falls, medical procedures, recurring pressureon a nerve etc. Other causes for nerve injury include slipped discs, broken bones, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament/tendon problems etc. Diabetes is the foremost cause of polyneuropathy seen in 60-70% of diabetic patients. Studies show that high blood sugar levels slowly damage the nerves and the blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen. Poor glycemic control is the…