Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition that affects countless people each year in the United States. When injury or disease has occurred in the nerves that carry communications from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, it occurs.
Peripheral nerves come from the spinal cord and spread along lines in the body named dermatomes. When one of these nerves becomes injured, it can affect one or more dermatomes, causing pain to then emanate out to specific areas of the body.
This type of nerve damage can interrupt communication among the brain and other portion of the body. It also can impair muscle movement, inhibit normal feeling in the arms and legs, and cause pain which can sometimes be intense.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
People develop peripheral neuropathy for several reasons. It could be acquired through diabetes, poor nutrition, disease, or infection. It also can be hereditary, although this is not as typical.
And in some instances, the original cause of peripheral neuropathy is never found out. This is called idiopathic neuropathy and as many as a 3rd of all those in Elmira, NY, with peripheral neuropathy fall into this category.
Treatment Programs for Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the type and severity of the problem. Some people respond to anti-seizure medications, while others benefit from antidepressants.
Capsaicin cream also is sometimes used to provide modest improvement in peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Soothing the Pain of Peripheral Neuropathy
Because peripheral neuropathy could be such a painful condition, eliminating the suffering is generally leading treatment priority.
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