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What Is Neuropathy? A Complete Guide to Nerve Damage
Peripheral neuropathy refers to any condition that affects the nerves outside your brain or spinal cord. This can happen for several reasons, from trauma to infections to inherited conditions. There are also many possible symptoms. Many causes, forms or symptoms of this condition are treatable, but this can vary widely from person to person.
To understand how peripheral neuropathy affects your body, it helps to know a little about the structure of neurons, a key type of cell that makes up your nerves. Neurons send and relay signals through your nervous system using electrical and chemical signals. Each neuron consists of the following:
Cell body: This is the main part of the cell.
Axon: This is a long, arm-like part that extends outward from the cell body. At the end of the axon are several finger-like extensions where the electrical signal in the neuron becomes a chemical signal. These extensions, known as synapses, lead to nearby nerve cells.
Dendrites: These are small branch-like extensions (their name comes from a Latin word that means “tree-like”) on the cell body. Dendrites are the receiving point for chemical signals from the synapses of other nearby neurons.
Myelin: This is a thin layer composed of fatty chemical compounds. Myelin surrounds the axon of many neurons and acts as a protective covering.
What exactly is neuropathy?
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a condition where the peripheral nerves—those connecting your brain and spinal cord to your limbs—are damaged. This can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms, or legs The Washington Post.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Common signs include:
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain
- Tingling or “pins-and-needles”
- Numbness or reduced sensation, especially in the feet
- Muscle weakness or difficulty with balance
- In some cases, problems like dizziness, digestive issues, or bladder control may affect internal organs.
What causes neuropathy?
There are many potential causes, including:
- Chronic diseases: Diabetes is the most common cause
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, and alcohol misuse
- Medications: like chemotherapy or certain antibiotics
- Autoimmune diseases, infections, inherited conditions (e.g., Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth)
- Sometimes, no clear cause is found (idiopathic).
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
A health history and neurological exam will be conducted by your doctor. Following that, they may order:
- Blood tests (e.g., glucose, B12, thyroid)
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG)
- Advanced diagnostics in select cases, like MRI, nerve ultrasound, or even biopsy
What treatments are available, and can I improve it?
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the root cause:
- Lifestyle and medical management: Control diabetes, correct vitamin deficiencies, limit alcohol, adjust medications
- Pain relief medications: Antidepressants (duloxetine), anticonvulsants (gabapentin), topical treatments (capsaicin) The Washington Post
- Occupational therapy and physical therapy are used to strengthen muscles and improve mobility
- Specialist treatments: In some cases, therapies like IV treatments or surgery may be needed
