Neuropathy: what is it?

Neuropathy: Symptoms and Treatment

Category: Neurology and psychiatry 36910

Neuropathy is a non-inflammatory nervous system disorder that progresses due to damage or depletion of nerve cells.

Pathology has no restrictions on age or gender.

It should be noted that this painful condition can affect both one nerve fiber and several at once, and they are not always located at one point of the body.

Etiology

Manifestation of symptoms of an ailment can provoke many causes. Among the most common are the following:

• hypovitaminosis;
• a metabolic disorder;
• traumatization of nerve fibers of any severity;
• presence of tumors of benign or malignant nature;
• pathology of blood vessels;
• intoxication of the body;
• endocrine diseases;
• decrease in the reactivity of the organism;
• vasculitis;
• blood pathology;
• chronic alcoholism;
• infections of viral and bacterial nature;
• severe hypothermia of the body;
• hereditary factor.

Varieties

In medicine, several classifications of the disease are used, which are based on the causes of the onset, the nature of the damage to nerve fibers.

Classification, depending on the causes of progression of pathology:

• diabetic neuropathy.This form of pathology progresses against the background of a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood. Usually develops with diabetes mellitus;
• posttraumatic neuropathy.The main causes of its progression are a mechanical trauma of the nerve fiber and its branches, squeezing them, or carrying out in the area of ​​lesion of surgical intervention. This form of pathology affects the ulnar nerve, sciatic, radial, and nerves of the lower extremities in most clinical situations. Most often, due to trauma, there is a neuropathy of the radial nerve, peroneal and ulnar;
• alcoholic neuropathy.The reason for the progression is consumption in a large number of drinks containing high doses of alcohol. This substance, as well as the products of its disintegration, significantly complicate the process of metabolism, in particular, absorption of vitamins in the intestine. This, in turn, leads to avitaminosis, which is the reason for the progression of alcohol neuropathy;
• ischemic form.This type of malady develops as a result of a violation of the supply of blood to the nerve endings.

Causes of alcoholic neuropathy

Based on the nature of damage to nerve fibers, these types of disease are distinguished:

• sensory neuropathy.It is characterized by a violation of the sensitivity of a certain organ in the human body. It is manifested by the absence of pain syndrome, numbness and tingling, as well as phantom pains;
• peripheral neuropathy.Its progression is said in the event that the physiological process of transmission of the nerve impulse from the central nervous system to organs that are innervated by the affected nerve fibers has been disturbed. As a consequence, peripheral neuropathy is manifested by the following symptoms: a decrease or a complete loss of sensitivity, muscle weakness, convulsions, tics and impaired coordination of movements (usually this symptom is manifested in the case of neuropathy of the lower limbs, neuropathy of the radial nerve and other);
• motor neuropathy.A characteristic feature is inadequate motor activity. It is noteworthy that there is no decrease in sensitivity at the same time. Characteristic symptoms: the patient makes limbs movements that he himself can not control, part of the muscle reflexes disappears, muscle weakness gradually builds up;
• autonomic neuropathy.In this case, the innervation of the internal organs is impaired. This form of pathology is rightfully considered to be the most dangerous, as in the case of its progression, the functioning of certain organs and systems is observed. In particular, the patient may have a violation of urination, swallowing, an act of defecation.

Depending on the affected nerve fiber:

• neuropathy of the peroneal nerve;
• neuropathy of the ulnar nerve;
• neuropathy of the radial nerve;
• defeat of the trigeminal nerve;
• defeat of the nerves of the lower extremities.

Symptomatology

Symptoms of the disease largely depend on which nerve fiber (or fibers) was squashed or injured.

In fact, there are a lot of signs of this disease, but most of them are not characteristic, which to a certain extent creates difficulties in setting up an accurate diagnosis.

Diabetic form

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. Most often, with this disease manifests peripheral neuropathy.

Manifestations of the disease are multiple, since the pathological process involves the spinal nerves, as well as the nerves responsible for the work of internal organs.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (in case of progression of peripheral neuropathy):

• tingling in the legs;
• Muscular structures of the limbs as the progression of diabetic neuropathy may change its shape;
• the patient may note that at one time he feels a strong cooling of the limbs, and at another time a feeling of heat arises in them;
• feeling of "crawling" in the limbs;
• pain syndrome in the extremities (manifested mainly in the night period);
• Increased sensitivity to tactile touch. Sometimes even a slight touch can cause pain;
• a characteristic feature of peripheral neuropathy is the sensation of gloves or socks on the limbs, but they are bare;
• burning in the extremities;
• Wounds, obtained with the already existing peripheral neuropathy, heal very long.

Autonomous diabetic neuropathy manifests itself as such signs:

• nausea and vomiting;
• dizziness when trying to change the position of the body;
• heartburn;
• problems with the release of urine;
• tachycardia, which can manifest even in a state of complete rest;
• violation of erectile function;
• irregular bowel movement;
• even in the case of severe bladder overflow, there is no urge to urinate;
• loss of consciousness, although there is no apparent reason for this;
• increased sweating;
• excessive dryness of the skin.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy

Lesion of the facial nerve

Neuropathy of the facial nerve is very common. It is also called in the medical literature the neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve.

Usually it provokes hypothermia of the nerve fiber, so the disease has its seasonality. More often it occurs in the autumn-winter period.

Neuropathy of the facial nerve begins acutely - the symptoms and degree of their severity directly depends on the location of the lesion.

Symptoms of facial nerve neuropathy:

• salivation;
• half of the face where the affected nerve is located, as if frozen;
• impaired taste perception;
• with the neuropathy of the facial nerve, a marked pain syndrome is seen from the side of the affected nerve;
• the eye does not fully close and the person can not blink;
• a characteristic symptom of the neuropathy of the facial nerve - the front part of the tongue grows numb;
• lacrimation;
• sometimes there may be severe dry eyes.

Lesion of the peroneal nerve

Neuropathy of the peroneal nerve usually affects girls aged 10 to 19 years. It is worth noting that this ailment has an unfavorable prognosis.

To provoke the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve can be trauma to the knee joint or ligamentous apparatus, fractures of the bones, operative intervention along the path of passage of nerve fibers, and so on.

Symptoms of the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve:

• gradually the ability to rotate the foot is lost;
• patients during walking or running can suddenly turn up their legs;
• The inability to normally bend and unbend fingers on the leg;
• sagging of the foot;
• a person can not walk on his heels.

Healing measures

Treatment of neuropathy should be carried out immediately, as soon as the first alarming signs of the progression of the pathology. To prescribe the correct course of treatment, you must visit your doctor. Self-medication is not permissible.

Neuropathy is treated consistently. Required Activities:

• elimination of the damaging factor (compression);
• elimination of inflammation;
• withdrawal of pain syndrome;
• restoration of the full functioning of the affected nerve fiber;
• stimulation of regenerative processes;
• treatment of diseases that provoked pathology (if any);
• prevention of relapses.

Diseases with similar symptoms:

Hypoparathyroidism (coinciding symptoms: 6 of 20)

Hypoparathyroidism is an ailment caused by insufficient production of parathyroid hormone. As a result of the progression of the pathology, there is a violation of calcium absorption in the digestive tract. Hypoparathyroidism without proper treatment can lead to disability.

... Labyrinthitis (concurrent symptoms: 5 of 20)

Labyrinthitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the inner ear. Begins to progress due to the infiltration into the organ of infectious agents or because of trauma.

In medicine, this ailment is also called internal otitis.

For him, the development of vestibular disorders (dizziness, impaired coordination), as well as damage to the organs of the hearing aid, is characteristic.

... Claustrophobia (coinciding symptoms: 5 of 20)

Claustrophobia is a condition that is characterized by the appearance of a persistent and obsessive fear of closed spaces. Fear intensifies when people fall into tight, small or low rooms, rooms that do not have windows and so on.

As a result, a person's behavior changes many times, up to the point that he can stop leaving the house.

... Pheochromocytoma (coinciding symptoms: 5 of 20)

Pheochromocytoma is a benign or malignant tumor that consists of extraadrenal chromaffin tissue, as well as the adrenal medulla. More often, the formation affects only one adrenal gland and has a benign course.

It should be noted that the exact causes of the progression of the disease have not yet been established by scientists. In general, adrenal pheochromocytoma is rare. Usually, the tumor begins to progress in people aged 25 to 50 years.

But the formation of pheochromocytoma in children, especially in boys, is not excluded.

... Encephalitis (coinciding symptoms: 5 of 20)

.

Encephalitis is an inflammatory lesion of the brain. As a rule, the progression of this dangerous pathology in children and adults is provoked by infectious agents.

.

Clinicians distinguish primary and secondary encephalitis of the brain.

The primary progresses independently, while the secondary develops against a background of various ailments - measles, toxoplasmosis, influenza and so on.

...

• In contact with

A source: http://SimptoMer.ru/bolezni/nevrologiya/1468-nejropatiya-simptomy

Causes of development and symptoms of neuropathy

Neuropathy is a disease of peripheral nerves not of an inflammatory nature, which is characterized by degenerative and dystrophic changes in tissues.

The symptomatology of this disease is different and largely depends on the localization of the affected nerve. The treatment of this disease is complex and long-lasting.

A major role is assigned to the preventive link.

Causes

Neuropathy rarely appears as an independent disease. Most often it is a complication of a severe chronic disease or appears as a consequence of a traumatic agent.

The most common cause is diabetes mellitus. Diabetic neuropathy affects all types of fibers: motor, sensory, vegetative. Because of the high content of glucose in the blood, metabolic processes in the nerve fibers are violated, which leads to their swelling and impaired function.

The causes that cause toxic neuropathy are diverse. They can be divided into two groups:

1. Exogenous factors:
   • Viral diseases: HIV, hepres, diphtheria, toxoplasmosis;
   • Medicines: anti-tuberculosis drugs, some antibiotics, preparations containing heavy metals (gold, platinum);
   • Chemical compounds: lead, arsenic, mercury, phosphorus-containing substances;
   • Avitaminosis: a deficiency of B vitamins.
2. Endogenous factors: immune complexes, which are produced by the body itself in certain diseases: autoimmune diseases, Waldenstrom disease, and others.

Alcohol abuse is often complicated by problems in the peripheral nervous system.

Clinical picture

Very rarely it happens that only one nerve is affected; usually damaged or a few nearby (posttraumatic neuropathy) nerve fibers, or there is a diffuse lesion.

First of all, there is a superficial and deep sensitivity in the field of innervation. It appears with itching, tingling sensation, burning, tightening.

These sensations can radiate into the neighboring region. At the initial stages, motor disorders may be absent or insignificant.

It is also worth noting the symmetry of the detected symptoms.

With the progression of the disease, aggravation of motor function and weakening of reflexes are added, a weakness appears in the bending of extremities, more often these are distal departments (brushes and feet), tendon reflexes become more sluggish, and in time may disappear.

Patients complain of stiffness while walking, numbness of the legs, a feeling of "stiffness of the muscles." Over time, the symptoms "rise" higher: knee and elbow reflexes decrease.

In this case, pain and paresis appear in the distal parts.

With the violation of nutrition of the nervous tissue, muscle trophism is also disturbed. This manifests itself in progressive muscular weakness, up to atrophy. In severe cases, patients can not walk, keep objects, eat independently.

This significantly reduces the quality of life.

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The most unpleasant complications for the patient is the disruption of the operation of the pelvic organs (suffers from excretory and sexual function), and for the doctor - the stop of the work of the respiratory musculature.

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Neuropathy has many different symptoms, which sometimes makes it difficult to correctly and timely diagnose. It should be remembered that the longest nerve fibers are most often damaged, therefore, a violation in the limbs is manifested in almost every patient.

Types of disease

Neuropathies are divided according to the area of ​​the spinal cord that is affected.

What is struck in the Application

Sensory Neuropathy	Motor neurons	Loss of sensations (vibration, movement); a violation of the sensation of the position of parts of the body in space. Do not perceive pain, temperature changes.
Motor Neuropathy	Thin and thick fibers of the spinal cord nerves	Spasm of muscles, cramps, paresis.

Diagnostics

As with many other diseases, the diagnosis of neuropathy begins with an anamnesis. The doctor should find out the reason, which became the trigger mechanism for this disease.

This can be complicated by the fact that the disease or injuries were many months before the appearance of the first symptoms.

Therefore, it is worthwhile to question in detail about the diseases that have been transferred (especially the viral etiology), the appointment of new drugs, harmful working conditions, alcohol abuse. It is also important to find out the presence of similar symptoms in relatives.

The nature of the first symptoms is also important. Therefore, the patient should tell in detail about the debut of the disease: when did it begin, in which part of the body, the first manifestations, their duration and progression.

The examination of the neurologist includes checking all kinds of sensitivity, the presence of reflexes, the degree of muscle damage.

The standards also include analyzes of biological fluids, chest X-ray, glucose measurement. Additional methods of research are used based on the data already received.

Methods of therapy

Neuropathy requires individual treatment in each case. First of all, the choice of treatment tactics depends on the cause that caused the disease. If the factor can be eliminated or its influence reduced, then it should be done immediately.

In any form of the disease, all efforts should be aimed at restoring the proper functioning of the nerve fiber. To do this, the patient is assigned vitamin B group, analgesics, drugs that improve trophic and tissue regeneration.

Neuropathy is also successfully treated with physiotherapeutic methods: medical baths, electrophoresis, physiotherapy, massages.

Prevention

In order to prevent the emergence of neuropathy, it is necessary to normalize metabolic processes in the human body. First of all it concerns diabetic neuropathy. To prevent it, it is enough to monitor the blood glucose level and observe the prescribed diet.

It is also important to treat the underlying disease, which causes dimyelination of nerve fibers. It can be the removal of a tumor, the refusal of alcohol, the treatment of infectious diseases.

Good results are provided by muscle stimulation and massage. This prevents the development of ischemia. The complex of exercises can include hand kneading, water procedures, various physiotherapy techniques.

A source: https://ODepressii.ru/nervy/prichiny-i-simptomy-nejropatii.html

Peripheral neuropathy: symptoms, causes, treatment

Your peripheral nervous system connects nerves in your brain and spinal cord or the central nervous system with the rest of your body, including:

• arms
• palms
• legs
• Feet
• internal organs
• mouth
• face

The work of these nerves is to deliver signals about physical sensations back to your brain.

Peripheral NeuropathyIs a disorder that occurs when these nerves are faulty due to their damage or destruction.

This is the cause of disturbance of the normal functioning of the nerves.

They can send pain signals when there is nothing hurting or they can not send pain signals, even if something does you harm. This condition can be caused by:

• damage
• systemic disease
• infection
• hereditary disease

This disorder causes discomfort, but the treatment can be very useful. The most important thing is to determine whether peripheral neuropathy is the result of a serious underlying disease, or not.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

Three types of peripheral nerves:

• Sensory nerves- combine with your skin;
• Motor nerves- Connect to your muscles;
• Autonomous nerves- Connect to your internal organs.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nervous group or all three.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• tingling in the hands or feet
• feeling like you are wearing a tight glove or sock
• sharp, stitching pains
• numbness of hands or feet
• regularly drop things from your hands
• feeling of fine vibration in the limbs
• thinning of the skin
• low blood pressure
• sexual dysfunction, especially in men
• constipation
• aggravation of digestion
• diarrhea
• excessive sweating

These symptoms can also indicate other diseases, so you should tell them about it to your doctor.

Causes

People with a family history of peripheral neuropathy are more likely to develop this disorder. Nevertheless, there are many factors and underlying diseases that can also cause this condition.

Common diseases

Nerve damage caused by diabetes is one of the most common forms of neuropathy. This leads to numbness, pain and loss of sensation in the limbs. The risk of neuropathy increases in people who:

• are overweight
• have high blood pressure
• over 40 years old
• have diabetes mellitus

According toCenter for Peripheral Neuropathy, University of Chicago (UCCPN), almost 60 percent of people with diabetes have any degree of nerve damage. These injuries are often associated with high blood sugar levels.

Other chronic diseases that can cause nerve damage include:

• Kidney diseases, in which the body accumulates a large number of toxins and damage to the nervous tissue.
• Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which leads to fluid retention and pressure in the area of ​​nerve tissue.
• Diseases that cause chronic inflammation that can spread to the nerves or damage the surrounding nerve fibers connective tissue.
• The lack of vitamins E, B1, B6 and B12, which are necessary for the health and full functioning of the nervous system.

Injuries

Physical trauma is the most common cause of nerve damage. These can be traffic accidents, falls or fractures.

Lack of physical activity or too long stay in one position can also cause neuropathy.

Increased pressure on the median nerve (a nerve in the wrist, which allows you to feel the hand and move it), causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a common type of peripheral neuropathy.

Alcohol and toxins

Alcohol can have a toxic effect on the nervous tissue, causing an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy in people with severe alcoholism.

Exposure to toxic chemicals present in adhesives, solvents or insecticides can also cause nerve damage. In addition, such a state can cause exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

Infections and autoimmune diseases

Some viruses and bacteria directly attack the nervous tissue.

Viruses, such as herpes simplex, chickenpox, causing varicella and herpes zoster, and viral damage caused by the Epstein-Barr virus lead to severe episodes of shooting pain.

Bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, can also cause nerve damage and pain if left untreated.

Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, in various ways affect the peripheral nervous system.

Chronic inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body, as well as pressure caused by inflammation, can lead to severe nerve pain in the limbs.

Medications

Some medicines can also cause nerve damage. These include:

• Anticonvulsants, which people take to treat seizures.
• Preparations for fighting bacterial infections.
• Some medicines for blood pressure.
• Medicines used to treat cancer.

Recent research in the journalFamily Practicealso show that statins (a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol and prevention of cardiovascular diseases), can also cause nerve damage and increase the risk development of neuropathy.

Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and analyze your medical history. If, on the basis of this, he still can not determine if your symptoms are caused by peripheral neuropathy, you will be asked to undergo other tests, such as:

• Blood tests. To measure the levels of vitamins and sugar in the blood, and to determine how well your thyroid gland functions correctly.
• Computer tomography (CT).Your doctor may also refer you to a computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to make sure that nothing is squeezing your nerve, for example, an intervertebral hernia or swelling.
• Nerve biopsy.This is a minor operation involving the removal of a small amount of nerve tissue, which can then be examined under a microscope.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography can show problems with how your body's nerve signals move toward your muscles. For this test, the doctor will place a small needle in your muscle and ask you to gently move the muscles.

Probes in the needle will measure the amount of electricity passing through your muscle. During this test, it may seem as if you were given an injection.

Sometimes the area where the needle was being inserted becomes painful for a few days after the test.

Nerve conduction study

In the study of nerve conduction, the diagnostician places electrodes on your skin.

Then they pass a small amount of electricity through your nerves to check whether the nerve signals are correctly transmitted.

This procedure causes minor discomfort, but no side effects after it is carried out.

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy

The treatment is based on the treatment of the underlying disease, which led to peripheral neuropathy. If the cause is diabetes, it is important to make sure that the blood glucose level is well controlled.

If a deficiency of vitamins causes a problem, then additional intake of necessary vitamins and correction of the diet and is a cure. Many procedures can bring relief and help you get back to normal activities.

Sometimes a combination of treatments works best.

Painkillers

Painkillers such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can be very useful for controlling moderate pain.

If you take them in excess, these drugs can affect the function of the liver or stomach.

It is important not to use them for a long time, especially if you regularly drink alcohol.

Prescription drugs

Many prescription pain medications can also help control pain in neuropathy. These include narcotic drugs, some antiepileptic drugs and some antidepressants. Other useful prescription drugs include:

• Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2;
• Tramadol;
• Injections of corticosteroids;
• Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin;
• Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline;
• Duloxetine (a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine).

Prescription drugs used for sexual dysfunction in men are:

• Sildenafil (Viagra);
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxin);
• Tadalafil (Cialis);
• Avanafil (the Stendra).

Healing procedures

Your doctor can use several medical procedures to control the symptoms of this condition.

PlasmapheresisIs a blood transfusion that removes potentially irritating antibodies from your bloodstream.

If you have a nerve block, your doctor will inject anesthetic directly into your nerves.

Transcutaneous electroneurostimulation (TENS)

Percutaneous electroneurostimulation is not effective for everyone. During TENS, the electrodes placed on the skin send a small amount of electricity to the skin. The goal of this treatment is to block the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Ergonomic tire

Applying ergonomic tires can help you if neuropathy affects your legs and arms. These tires provide support for part of your body where there is discomfort.

This can ease the pain.

For example, a gypsum or tire that keeps your wrists in the right position during sleep can ease discomfort in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Personal care

In addition to OTC drugs, many people have found relief in peripheral neuropathy by:

• chiropractors
• acupuncture
• of massage
• meditation
• yoga

Moderate, regular exercise can also help reduce discomfort.

If you drink alcohol or smoke, think about reducing or completely refusing. Alcohol and tobacco enhance nerve pain and can cause nerve damage with prolonged use.

Precautionary measures

If you have peripheral neuropathy, you are potentially at an increased risk of accidents at home. To improve security, you can do the following:

• Always wear shoes to protect your feet.
• Try to remove any things from the floor, about which you can stumble.
• Check the temperature of your bath with your elbow, not your arm or leg.
• Install the handrails in the bath or shower.
• Use bath mats that can prevent slipping.
• Do not stay in one place too long. Get up and move a couple of times every hour. This is especially important for those whose work is associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Forecast

If your neuropathy is caused by the underlying curable disease, you can stop it by eliminating this larger problem.

However, if this does not apply to you, you can successfully control the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Talk with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you, and explore alternative ways of caring for yourself that can complement it.

Prevention of peripheral neuropathy

Even if you have a family history of this disorder, you can help prevent its onset, as follows:

• Avoid drinking alcohol or drink it only in moderation.
• Avoid smoking or quit smoking completely (if you smoke).
• Give preference to healthy food.
• Stick to a physically active lifestyle.

You can reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy:

• Knowing which toxins can affect you at work or in an institution.
• Protecting your feet while exercising (especially when using your legs).
• Never inhale toxins, for example, present in glues.

If you have diabetes, pay special attention to the feet. Every day, wash and inspect your feet, and moisturize them with a natural lotion.

A source: http://www.magicworld.su/bolezni/o-boleznyakh/770-perifericheskaya-nejropatiya-simptomy-prichiny-lechenie.html

What is neuropathy?

:

• Clinical picture of various forms of the disease
• Causes of the disease
• Treatment

Nerves - the most important and complex system of the human body, represented by the dorsal and brain, nervous plexuses and peripheral nerves.

Peripheric nerves due to a fine and complex structure are easily affected by harmful factors, both from the outside and from the internal origin.

Therefore, there are neuropathies - not inflammatory lesions of individual nerves.

Clinical picture of various forms of the disease

The clinical picture of neuropathies is determined by the form of the disease, which is characterized by certain types of damage and localization. Neuropathy is classified according to the following forms: toxic, diabetic and post-traumatic and mixed.

Diabetic formarises as a consequence of diabetes. With this disease, if the blood constantly keeps a high concentration of sugar, very small vessels suffer, in particular those that supply nerve fibers.

A distinctive feature is a decrease in sensitivity in the affected area. For this reason, the patient can easily be injured and infect the skin, without noticing the injury on time. As a rule, this is more true of the lower extremities.

Diabetic neuropathy, in turn, is divided into three forms:

• peripheral - the defeat of the nerves responsible for the innervation of the limbs. Symptoms: tingling and numbness, impaired sensation on the fingers.
• proximal. Symptoms: loss of sensitivity in the lower leg, thigh and buttocks.
• autonomous form - a violation of the functioning of the digestive organs, genital organs and urination.

Any form of diabetic neuropathy is accompanied by weakness in the muscles, followed by atrophy and disorders of the skin.

Toxic neuropathy.

The cause of this form are various intoxications, both as a consequence of the effects of infectious diseases (HIV, diphtheria, herpes), and chemical poisoning with alcohol, lead, arsenic, and also as a result of improper, often self-administration of certain medicinal products means. Alcoholic neuropathy is the most severe defeat of peripheral nerves as a result of excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and surrogates.

More often as a result of the defeat of nerves in any form of neuropathy, the arms and legs suffer. There is a violation of sensitivity in the hands, fingers, feet, burning sensation or tingling of the skin, redness of the skin. For later stages of the disease, swelling of the tissues of the legs is characteristic.

Post-traumatic neuropathyarises because of the defeat of nerves when squeezing due to fractures, swelling of the tissues, with the formation of incorrect post-traumatic scars. The most frequently affected elbows, sciatic and radial nerves with subsequent muscle atrophy, decreased reflexes and a decrease in their function.

To the mixed form carry the following types:

• tunneling neuropathy- the result of damage to the nerves for reasons that come from outside or caused by endogenous effects (compression of muscles or ligaments of nerve trunks. The neuropathy of the ulnar, radial nerve, the carpal tunnel syndrome, the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve are referred to as the tunnel one;
• Compression-ischemic neuropathy- this is the squeezing of nerves and blood vessels, if a person is in a long time in one position, for example, he falls asleep and lies limb, he works squatting for a long time. The situation is aggravated by the presence of alcoholic intoxication.

Causes of the disease

There are many reasons for the development of neuropathies, but the most common are the following:

• bacterial infections (diphtheria);
• autoimmune reaction (Guillain-Barre syndrome);
• poisoning with heavy metals (mercury, lead);
• reaction to some medications (anticonvulsants, antibiotics, chemotherapy);
• malignant neoplasms (myeloma).

• diabetes;
• alcoholism;
• Anemia due to lack of vitamin B12;
• hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function);
• a disruption in the functioning of the kidneys and liver;
• cancer;
• excess of pyroxidine (vitamin B6).

Treatment

To make the diagnosis clarify all the symptoms of the disease, the events that preceded him, find out the possible reasons.

Further special studies are conducted: electromyography (study of muscle characteristics, speed of propagation of nerve impulses, sensitivity of nerve fibers), examination of reflexes tendons.

The treatment is comprehensive and includes:

• glucocorticoid drugs due to the fact that often the disease is accompanied by autoimmune processes;
• drugs that suppress immune processes;
• preparations of potassium salts;
• protein diet;
• vitamins B-complex, C in large doses;
• antihistamines.

Simultaneously, detoxification therapy is carried out - removal of toxins from the blood by plasmapheresis and hemosorption.

Treatment depends on the cause that led to the development of the disease, and is aimed at removing this cause or monitoring the normal performance of body systems.

With proper treatment, the disease is completely cured.

A source: https://vashaspina.ru/chto-takoe-nejropatiya/

Peripheral neuropathy - effective treatment is possible by following these rules and tips

Peripheral Neuropathy -result of defeat of peripheral nerves. These structures are responsible for the transfer of impulses from the central nervous system to the muscles, skin and organs.

When the disorder manifests itself for the first time, people feel tickling and tingling in the soles, although sometimes it starts from the fingers. After a while, tingling is spreading on the feet and hands.

Disease almost always manifests itself in both legs and arms. These feelings can be permanent or appearing from time to time. Sometimes they are almost invisible, and sometimes very much disturb the person.

Violation can not only cause pain, but also affect the fullness of life.

Desire to Prevent Paincan force a person to move less, which can affect the standard activity and communication. Neuropathy can provoke anxiety and depression, and in general is extremely undesirable.

Causes of the disease

Sensory, as well as motor peripheral neuropathy, for the most part have similarcauses:

• nerve injury;
• tumors;
• poisoning;
• immunity disorders;
• lack of vitamins;
• chronic alcoholism;
• problems with blood vessels;
• vasculitis;
• blood diseases;
• disruptions in exchange processes;
• endocrine pathology;
• viral and bacterial infections;
• Guillain-Barre syndrome;
• consumption of individual medicines;
• hereditary neuropathy;
• idiopathic neuropathy.

Classification of neuropathies

There are many types of violations that have been identified, each with a specific set of characteristics, a growth pattern and a forecast. The affected function and manifestations depend on the type of structures that are notroads:

• motor nerves control the movements of all muscles through consciousness;
• sensory nerves transmit information about the processes of perception;
• the bundles of vegetative fibers regulate the actions that are carried out automatically.

Although individual neuropathies can affect all three types of nerves, often a disruption of one or two types of nerves occurs.

Therefore, doctors can use a concept such as predominantly motor neuropathy, mainly sensory neuropathy, etc ..

Peripheral neuropathy can be hereditary or acquired.

Polyneuropathy is multiple nerve damage, which is manifested by paralysis, a violation of sensitivity. Often this starts with the hands and feet, without healing with time rising up.

Symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy

The disease can be combined with a violation of sensitivity, as well as the work of muscles or organs.

Symptoms are manifested in isolation or in a complex. And with the defeat of sensitive nerves, pain, numbness, tingling, swelling and redness are observed.

Symptoms of peripheralNeuropathy:

• numbness, lack of response to pain or temperature;
• increased sensitivity to touch;
• tickling, tingling, burning;
• severe pain, spasms;
• loss of balance;
• loss of reflexes;
• weakness of muscles;
• significant changes in walking;
• Other manifestations of possible damage to nerves, which should be reported to the doctor:
• more frequent emptying of the bladder within 24 hours;
• frequent stumbling and falling;
• problems with erection;
• redness and swelling of the skin over the site of inflammation;
• atrophy of disturbed muscles.

Diagnostic techniques

Diagnosis is difficult because of the difference in symptoms. Often a complete neurological examination is necessary.

Tests and testscan determine the presence of nerve damage due to a common disease.

The study of blood can reveal diabetes, a lack of vitamins, any kind of insufficiency, other metabolic disruptions and signs of unhealthy immunity activity. The study of cerebrospinal fluid, which is drawn in the brain and spinal cord, can detect antibodies associated with neuropathy.

More narrowly specialized tests can determine blood diseases or disorders of the heart and blood vessels, malignant formations.

Tests for muscle strengthto reveal signs of convulsive activity or damage to motor neurons. Evaluation of the ability to feel vibrations, soft touch, body position, temperature and pain susceptibility helps to determine the damage to sensory structures.

On the basis of the results of the examination, a detailed history of the disease, auxiliary examinations for the accuracy of diagnosis can be assigned.

Instrumental techniques:

1. CT scan- painless research, which makes it possible to see organs, bone and soft tissues. By this method, it can detect bone or vascular changes, brain formations, cysts and hernias of the vertebral disc, etc.
2. Magnetic Tomography- the study of the state of the muscle, its size, to detect the replacement of muscle tissue fat, compression effect on the nerve fiber.
3. Electromyography- insertion of a needle into the muscle to measure the electrical activity of the muscle at rest and under load. EMG can help to distinguish between the damage of the muscle itself and nerve fibers. During this research, the fiber is stimulated, in response to which a reciprocal impulse appears. A small transmission rate and pulse blockage indicate a violation of the myelin sheath and axonal disorders.
4. Nerve biopsy- withdrawal and study of a sample of nerve tissue. Most of this procedure is not used for diagnosis and can independently provoke neuropathic manifestations.
5. Skin biopsy- an analysis for which a small piece of skin is excised and the nerve endings are studied. This method is easier to perform, less traumatic and gives information about small nerve fibers.

Treatment of the disease

Are commonprinciples:

• treatment of provocative abnormalities;
• termination of interaction with toxins, allergens;
• symptomatic treatment;
• vitamin therapy;
• drugs that improve the functioning of the nervous system;
• orthopedic assistance;
• surgical treatment - the destruction of the nerve.

Methods of treatment

To the main wayrelate:

• intervention through surgery;
• drug therapy;
• elimination of contact with provocative substances.

Treatment methods

Among the main methods of treatment of peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities and other types of diseaseinclude:

1. Percutaneous electrical stimulationis used to relieve manifestations. Electrodes are placed on the skin, and a soft electric current is supplied at different frequencies. It should be done within half an hour a day for 30 days.
2. People with inflammation will benefit fromplasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, which inhibit the activity of immunity.
3. Can be used on the arm or legbrackets,To help support her movement, with muscle weakness.
4. Also, one should not neglectphysiotherapyto restore movement.
5. If neuropathy is caused by pressure on the nerves by formation, then it is necessaryoperation to neutralize this pressure.
6. Infrared radiation procedurescan help improve feelings in the legs of people with diabetes.

Preventive measures

Prevention of peripheralNeuropathy:

• full nutrition with fresh fruit and vegetables;
• annual preventive examination to detect the first signs of the disorder;
• control of blood sugar level;
• playing sports;
• comfortable shoes;
• refusal of alcohol.

To prevent the occurrence of this disorder, try to lead a normal life and seek medical help when the least symptoms appear.

: Neuropathy of peripheral nerves

Training film: "Clinic, the basis of diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerves neuropathy." In this film, neuropathies of various nerves of the body are disassembled.

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A source: http://neurodoc.ru/bolezni/nevropatuya/perifericheskaya-nejropatiya.html