Peripheral neuropathy symptoms are caused by the destruction to the peripheral parts of the body associated with the nervous system. The peripheral nerves run through the brain and the spinal cord; their main function is to send nerve impulses and sensory information throughout the body to the spinal cord. These messages are then delivered to the brain and carried out. The peripheral nerves deliver signals to trigger muscle movement with several other functions of the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, including the organs.
Diabetic neuropathy symptoms are characterized by developing slowly over an extended period of time from months to years as the nerves slowly erode and disintegrate over time. There are many symptoms which occur with varying intensity, so diagnosis can be difficult to determine and treat effectively. Some of the symptoms include pain in the fingers and toes, numbness in joints, loss of sensation, or tingling. If diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be detected early, it can be reversed with aggressive medical attention and a change in daily diet.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms develop slowly over a period of time as the peripheral nerves are damaged. Once the damage occurs, it is irreversible and happens in stages. So many other symptoms can happen because there are many kinds of peripheral nerves with special functions that can be affected by peripheral neuropathy. As the disease progresses, muscles tend to weaken over time and atrophy, as well as muscle twitching. Over time, the loss of muscle and body movement causes poor coordination. Many sufferers begin to notice sores, scars, and lesions which will fail to heal or will heal slower than the usual timeframe. This progressive damage also extends to the body’s organs, as the impulses from the brain and spinal cord to other areas of the body may be delayed. Some of the affected organs include the bladder, intestines, the stomach, and pancreas. The autonomic nerves carry out the signals which regulate bodily functions. These symptoms can include blurred or impaired vision, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, a noticeable drop in blood pressure (which can lead to dizziness and fainting), impotence in men, nausea and vomiting, and problems with urination, such as incontinence. Peripheral neuropathy can also result from metabolic disorders such as vitamin deficiency, toxins, inherited disorders, or inflammations.
Diabetic neuropathy treatment involves diagnosing, pinpointing, and then treating the underlying condition. While some conditions can be treated and cured successfully, others may require treatment over the course of a patient’s life. Left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can lead to paralysis, gangrene, muscle atrophy, and a slew of other serious infections. Physicians advise prompt medical attention if these more serious symptoms begin to emerge in a patient.
Polyneuropathy symptoms include difficulty using the arms and legs, facial fatigue, bladder problems, general fatigue, hoarseness, joint pain, atrophy of the muscles, and shortness of breath, to name a few.
The effectiveness of peripheral neuropathy treatment depends on the where the nerve damage originates in a patient. If peripheral neuropathy is caused by a lack of vitamins, the healthy status of a patient can be reversed and greatly improved with vitamin therapy and a change in diet. Similarly, nerve damage caused by alcohol abuse can be prevented and improved by reducing or abstaining from alcohol consumption. Neuropathy caused by substance abuse can often times be corrected this way. If symptoms are related to diabetes, a more careful monitoring of blood sugar levels may slow progression and stop further symptoms. Early diagnosis is always the best defense against any condition or disease, especially since peripheral nerves have a limited capacity to regenerate if detected early on. For severe aches and impairment, physical therapy can help retain strength and alleviate muscle cramping. For more serious cases such as nerve damage, surgical treatment is recommended, with mobile aids such as canes or walkers helpful. With the help of a good doctor, peripheral neuropathy symptoms can be detected early and treated with the best possible results.