A majority of people do not fully understand the concept neuropathy even though millions of people do currently suffer from it. Injuries to the nerves and diabetes are the two leading causes of neuropathy. If you wish to know more about neuropathy, you can consult a naturopathic nyc or visit a clinic that specializes in neuropathy. Below are a few frequently asked questions and their general answers to help you get an idea of what neuropathy is all about.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a general term used by experts to refer to the disorders that occur as a result of damages to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is what sends messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, which includes the hands, legs, organs, joints, and the skin, among others. The same system also relays information from the various body parts back to the spinal cord and the brain.
When the nerves get damaged is when you get peripheral neuropathic symptoms. The symptoms can be on and off as the condition progresses slowly over several years. However, the condition can be controlled if a diagnosis is made early.
What Are The Common Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various things, which includes diabetes, autoimmune disease, hereditary disorders, protein abnormalities, inflammation, physical trauma, and compression.
In other cases, a patient may experience neuropathic symptoms due to alcoholism, poor nutrition, and exposure to medication such as those used in cancer chemotherapy. There are some rare cases where the causes of neuropathy in a patient may be unknown even after an in-depth evaluation.
Which Parts of the Body are Mostly Affected By Peripheral Neuropathy?
Neuropathy can affect all the areas in your body except for the brain and the central nervous system. This is because all other parts of the body do have peripheral nerves and can thus be affected. In a majority of cases, however, it usually affects the extremities such as the legs and hands.
Can Peripheral Neuropathy Be Cured?
Some forms of peripheral neuropathy, if diagnosed early, can be cured. In other cases, the symptoms of the condition can be managed effectively using various treatments. The neuropathy therapies are aimed at treating the problem or underlying causes of the disease. If diabetes is the cause, for example, managing the blood sugar levels and the diabetes condition itself should be the first form of treatment.