Causes and Symptoms

Neuropathy refers to the general problem of nerve damage. The term is often used, however, to refer to a more specific condition known as peripheral neuropathy—damage to the nerves outside of the central nervous system. It is important to note that neuropathy is not a disease, but a condition caused by an underlying problem. This article will briefly discuss the causes and symptoms of neuropathy.

Causes

Neuropathy can be caused by any of the following medical conditions:

• Diabetes. (By far the most common cause of neuropathy)
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• HIV and AIDS
• Cancer (specifically, lymphoma or multiple myeloma)
• Lyme disease
• Charcot-Maire-Tooth disease
• Guillaine-Barré syndrome
• Diphtheria

Neuropathy can also be caused by:

• Smoking and/or heavy drinking
• Physical trauma
• Vitamin B deficiency
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Common drugs for cancer, hypertension, epilepsy, and other conditions.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of neuropathy is a tingling or burning sensation in the fingers and/or toes that can eventually spread to the arms and legs. Many patients also experience a loss of sensitivity. Each individual´s symptoms will vary depending on what type of nerve is being affected—sensory nerves, motor nerves, or automatic nerves.

Symptoms caused by sensory nerve damage include:

• Numbness
• Extreme sensitivity
• Burning and/or tingling pain
• Problems with the skin, nails, and/or hair

Symptoms caused by motor nerve damage include:

• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis

Symptoms caused by autonomic nerve damage include:

• Dizziness or light headedness due to rapid changes in blood pressure
• Bladder, bowl, and digestive problems
• Heat intolerance
• Fast heart beat (known as tachycardia)
• Low blood pressure upon standing up (postural hypotension)
• Sexual dysfunction, lack of sexual desire, pain during intercourse

Do you think you’re suffering from a type of peripheral neuropathy?

If you experience abnormal numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in your feet or hands, come see Montvale Health & Wellness for a free neuropathy assessment. Our 7 Point Neuropathy Evaluation will help determine if you are a candidate for a non-surgical, painless laser treatment that increases circulation and reduces or eliminates your pain in as little as 20 minutes.

You don’t have to live with pain; at Montvale Health & Wellness we work with you to restore your health. Make an appointment here: appointment request.