This is one of the diseases caused by the malfunction of the transmission of neurological signals from the brain to the spinal cord.
The word peripheral means beyond the brain and spinal cord, the word neuro means that it refers to the nerves and nervous system of the body.
Peripheral neuropathy and treatment options
So, according to the nomenclature of the disease, it refers to the dysfunction of the nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for connecting the brain and the spinal cord with the internal organs, the muscles, via a complicated network of nerves. The body’s nervous system is very sensitive and transmits electrical and neural impulses that enable different parts of the body to function.
The peripheral nervous system comes from the spinal cord and reaches different parts of the body. Any damage to the peripheral nerves can lead to the loss of the motor function of the organs.
Put simply, the brain is responsible for ensuring that the body reacts to certain stimuli. If any part of the peripheral nervous system is damaged, electrical signals cannot reach all locations.
This affects the muscles and slowly this part of the body becomes dormant and communication between the brain and the other parts of the body is impeded. This can cause the limbs and muscles to lose sensation and also cause severe pain in those areas.
Types of peripheral neuropathy
There are several types of peripheral neuropathy and they have been mentioned below. There can be several causes of peripheral neuropathy, and they occur because of carpal tunnel syndrome, which can be caused by frequent movements of the wrist and hands. Nerve compression from improper limb and hand movement can lead to chronic nerve injury. Such severe neurological damage can cause people over the age of 55. Almost three to four percent of people in the age group over 50 can be affected.
When a single nerve is damaged it is called Mononeuropathy. Compressing a nerve for an extended period of time can cause such a condition. This can occur in patients who have been stored in one position for an extended period of time. For example, for people who are completely bed rest or sit in a wheelchair due to illness.
Another syndrome is Carpal tunnel syndrome is a different type of mononeuropathy. This is caused by an overuse injury as the nerve of the wrist is compressed. People who make a lot of wrist movements are exposed to this syndrome. This can happen to people who work long hours in the factories and also to those who type a lot on computer keyboards. There may be several signs of nerve damage such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers of the hand.
Some of the other mononeuropathies are ulnar palsy, when the nerve that runs near the elbow is damaged, radial palsy, where the nerve near the radial bone of the hand is damaged.
What causes such nerve damage?
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various factors such as diabetes, several rare hereditary diseases. This nerve damage can also be seen in people who are addicted to alcohol and have a vitamin deficiency in their body due to poor diet.
treatment
We have talked enough about the disease, now we need to focus on how to heal such severe neurological damage. Once the disease has been diagnosed by a certified doctor, treatment for the disease must begin immediately. There is a chance of complete restoration of movement and sensation in the patient once good treatment and medical regimen are in place.
The medication must contain pain relievers so that the patient does not experience constant pain due to their condition. Such pain relievers as Oxycontin and con zip. The medications should also include anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin. But these drugs have certain side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Treatment can also include exercise and physical therapy. Another treatment known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS can be used to cure this disease. To treat peripheral neuropathy, electric batons can be placed under the skin and a very low voltage electrical current can be conducted through the body.
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Reference: phdsc.org