"Nerve Function: From Signals to Actions”
Nerves are like wires that transmit signals between your brain and the rest of your body. These signals help you feel things and make you move your muscles. They control important functions like:
BREATHING
SWALLOWING
DIGESTION
SWEATING
URINATIING AND DEFECATING
Nerve cells are called neurons and are found throughout your body. A lot of neurons are found in the brain and spinal cord.
Nerves, along with your brain and spinal cord, make up your nervous system. When doctors talk about “nerves,” they usually mean the part of your nervous system that is outside of your brain and spinal cord, which is called your peripheral nervous system.
"Nerve Breakdown: Exploring the Danger of Peripheral Neuropathy"
What is Peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged.
Every nerve in the peripheral system has a specific job. Nerves are divided into:
Sensory nerves that receive sensation like: temperature, pain, vibration and touch.
SENSORY NERVES
Motor nerves that control muscle movement.
MOTOR NERVES
Autonomic nerves that control functions like: blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion, bladder function.
AUTONOMIC NERVES
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy Depend on the Affected Peripheral Nerve
Sensory nerve damage
Unusal Sensation
Pain from light touch
Burning
Numbness
Tingling
Balance problem
Motor nerve damage
Muscle cramping
Twitching
Reflex abnormalities
Autonomic nerve damage
Excessive sweating
Heat intolerance
Getting full quickly
Impotence
Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness or fainting after standing up)
"Nerve Wrath: Unraveling the Culprits of Peripheral Neuropathy”
This is the most common cause. More than half of people with diabetes will develop some type of neuropathy.
DIABETES
These include certain viral or bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV.
INFECTIONS
These include Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and vasculitis. Also, some cancers related to the body's immune system can cause polyneuropathy. These are a form of autoimmune disorder called paraneoplastic syndrome.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are hereditary types of neuropathy that run in families.
INHERITED DISORDER
Unhealthy dietary choices made by people with alcoholism, and poor absorption of vitamins can lead to low amounts of essential vitamins in the body.
ALCOHOLISM
Certain medicines, especially chemotherapeutic agents used to treat cancer, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
MEDICINES
Tests to Diagnose Peripheral Neuropathy
Blood tests
To detect many problems, ranging from immune system problems to toxins and poisons, especially metals like mercury or lead.
Electromyogram
To assess the electrical activity of muscles, which can indicate nerve damage
Nerve ultrasound
To detect many problems, ranging from immune system problems to toxins and poisons, especially metals like mercury or lead.
Nerve Conduction Test
To measure the speed and strength of electrical signals in the nerves, helping to determine the type and extent of nerve damage.
Biopsy Test
To assess the density of nerve endings in the skin, which can help diagnose small fiber neuropathy.
Genetic Testing
To identify hereditary causes of neuropathy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
To identify structural causes of nerve compression, such as herniated discs or tumors.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or physician to determine the specific tests and treatment options suitable for your type of neuropathy. Each individual’s condition may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
Treatment
Wide variety of treatment depending on its cause is available.
Injections, medicines and skin patches.
Medication
Help reconnect cut nerves and relieve pain due to trapped nerves.
Surgery
This can help you recover or improve pain symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Braces, canes and walkers, prescribed footwear and more.
Devices and wearable equipment
Peripheral neuropathy commonly affects your feet. This can cause soft tissue and bone changes, including sores and infections, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
Podiatry and foot care
Acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, injections and surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator.
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317212
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2023.1162405/full
- https://www.valiantlifemedical.com/blog/how-peripheral-neuropathy-can-impact-your-quality-of-life
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-peripheral-neuropathy
- Keltican Product Monograph
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or physician to determine the specific tests and treatment options suitable for your type of neuropathy. Each individual’s condition may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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