Peripheral Neuropathy
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WHAT IS IT?
This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves — usually those in your hands and feet — that causes weakness, numbness, and pain. The pain is typically accompanied by a tingling sensation.
Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body, and it and transmits information from your body back to your brain.
Peripheral neuropathy causes these messages to become less clear. The condition can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, certain medications, exposure to toxins, and alcoholism. One of the most common causes is diabetes. More than half of people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.
SYMPTOM CHECKER
Signs and symptoms may include:
TREATMENT
The goals of treatment are to manage the condition causing neuropathy and to relieve symptoms.
Medications
Medications used to relieve peripheral neuropathy pain include:
Your doctor also may prescribe medication to treat the underlying condition that’s causing the neuropathy.
Therapies
Other options for treatment include:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Adhesive electrodes placed on the skin deliver a gentle electric current at varying frequencies to relieve pain. TENS is applied for 30 minutes daily.
Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin. People with peripheral neuropathy caused by certain inflammatory conditions may benefit from these procedures.
Physical therapy. If you have muscle weakness, physical therapy can help improve your muscle strength and movements.
Surgery. Rarely, symptoms are caused by pressure on a peripheral nerve, such as from a tumor. In this case, surgery may be necessary.
LIFESTYLE
To help you manage symptoms:
Excerpt From: The Mayo Clinic. “Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide”.