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.