Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to nerves. It can be caused by many factors, which include genetics, environmental influences, and toxins. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on how significant the damage is to the nerve cells. Some patients may experience tingling or numbness in their fingers or toes, whereas some experience a complete loss of feeling in their limbs. The cause of the damage is significant because you can treat it before permanent nerve damage happens through neurorehabilitation. If you have any symptoms related to peripheral neuropathy, you need to see a Bakersfield peripheral neuropathy specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be very frustrating because they are often hard to explain. Some symptoms include tingling or numbness, pain, weakness, and loss of balance. It is simply a problem for some people with their feet feeling like they are walking on rocks instead of the ground. Some patients only experience symptoms in their toes, while others experience it in all extremities. Symptoms depend on what nerve is affected and how significant the damage to that nerve is.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Many causes of peripheral neuropathy are environmental factors that the patient cannot control. Some causes include toxins, radiation, chemotherapy, heredity, infections, autoimmune disorders, and alcohol abuse. For some people, it is simply a matter of genetics that can cause them to have more or fewer nerves than other people do.
Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy
A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy requires a physical examination. Patients with numbness in their toes, feet, legs, or hands are tested for problems with all different kinds of nerves. The tests will determine if the problem is with sensory neurons or motor neurons. They will also do specialized testing to determine if the sensory or motor neurons problem. Many other tests can be done, depending on what is causing the damage to the nerve cells. Every patient should be tested for diabetes because the two often go hand in hand.
Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy
The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends mainly on what is causing the damage to the nerve cells. Some patients will need physical therapy that can be used to strengthen muscles or increase balance. Other patients may need occupational or speech therapy depending on what nerves are affected by the neuropathy. Some patients will experience relief with medication like antidepressants and anticonvulsants, whereas others don’t respond to medication. Severe cases may need surgery to help with the symptoms. Living with peripheral neuropathy can be very frustrating, but it is essential to remember not to get discouraged by the signs. The sooner you seek treatment, the better off you will be in the long run.
In summary, peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes damage to nerves. It can be caused by many factors, which include genetics, environmental influences, and toxins. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on how significant the damage is to the nerve cells. Some patients experience tingling or numbness in their fingers or toes, whereas some experience a complete loss of feeling in their limbs. Treatment often involves physical therapy, occupational or speech therapy, antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications, and in severe cases, surgery.
