Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral nerve deterioration can be caused by a variety of factors, including malnutrition (e.g. beriberi, alcoholism), diabetes, drug poisoning (e.g. INH), chemical poisoning (e.g. pesticides, lead, arsenic), infectious diseases (e.g. leprosy, diphtheria, polio, AIDS), systemic lupus erythematosus, cancer (e.g. lung cancer, lymphoma), nerve compression (such as a webbed hand nerve), or nerve injury.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition more commonly found in people over the age of thirty and individuals in the following risk groups:

• Diabetic patients
• Excessive physical labour with inadequate rest
• Regular intake of alcohol or other substances
• Smoking
• Poor diet lacking the recommended five food groups.
• Vitamin deficiencies (B1, B6 and B12)
• Use of medications with known nerve-damaging side effects

Characteristics of Abnormal Symptoms Associated 

with Inflammation of Various Nerves

Inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve can cause facial distortion and weakness on one side of the face. This condition is often caused by a viral infection and can be exacerbated when the body is not getting enough rest.

Inflammation of the eighth cranial nerve can lead to a loss of balance and symptoms such as vertigo and hearing voices in one's ears, or even a deaf ear.

Inflammation of the third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerve is often seen in those with diabetes. The most common symptom of this condition is double vision in any direction.

Inflation of the fifth cranial nerve will cause tingling pain, a sharp pain on the face, where the symptoms are similar to being electrocuted. Symptoms usually occur on only one side of the face.

If you experience either less sensation or more than usual, such as numbness or pain, or have difficulty balancing, you should see your doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

Your doctor will assess the best treatment option for you depending on the severity of your symptoms and the location of affected nerve endings. Treatment for 

peripheral neuropathy typically focuses on rehabilitating the nerves to restore normal function.

General Treatment

• Taking a warm bath can improve blood circulation, reduce numbness and pain
• Control weight and appropriate blood sugar levels
• Avoid contact with chemicals that may cause irritation
• Consume food from the recommended five food groups to help prevent vitamin deficiency
• Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly for strong muscles for rehabilitation
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Undergo physiotherapy for muscle rehabilitation
• Surgery and medication
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Apply medicine and gentle massage
• Drug injections

Complications of peripheral neuropathy

           The damage of nerve fibres that causes nerve endings to become inflamed can pose a risk of serious complications such as foot ulcers, bacterial 

infection leading to necrosis, and can also affect nerve fibres that control the functioning of the heart, as well as the circulation of the blood system.

If you are at risk of developing a neurological disorder, it is important to have regular health check-ups. If any abnormalities are found, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, which can reduce the damage to the nerves and increase the chances of recovery.

Source:

https://w1.med.cmu.ac.th/ortho/images

 /News59/Aj_Kanit/entrapment%20nueropathy.pdf

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanit Sananpanich, Entrapment Neuropathy

10.14456/clmj.2018.27 - Chula Med J Vol. 62 No. 6 November-December 2018

Public Relations Department, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health