By Dr.Manvir Bhatia & Saunri-18th January 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peripheral Neuropathy (PNP)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Peripheral neuropathy is a term used for a group of conditions that cause damage to the peripheral nerves. It affects between 5 to 2400 per 10000 people in India. Peripheral Neuropathy can be of two types, axonal neuropathy or demyelinating neuropathy. Depending on the duration of the symptoms, it can be further divided into acute, subacute, and chronic neuropathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy depend on which nerves\nare affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sensory nerves<\/em>: Symptoms such as pain, numbness, burning, and sensitivity in peripheral regions like the foot<\/p>\n\n\n\n Motor nerves:<\/em> Symptoms such as weakness and atrophy of muscles, twitching of muscles, and paralysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n Autonomic nerves:<\/em> Symptoms such as dry eyes and mouth, constipation, loss of bladder control, sexual dysfunction, excessive sweating, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the common causes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Metabolic conditions<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy worldwide. High blood sugar levels weaken the walls of the capillaries that supply the nerves of oxygen and deplete them of nutrients` thus damaging the nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Chronic\nKidney Disease (CKD) has been found to cause 65% of the cases of Peripheral\nNeuropathy in Andhra Pradesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hereditary disorders<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Charcot-Marie-Tooth\ndisease (CMT) causes hereditary motor sensory neuropathy due to mutations in\nthe genes involved in neuron and myelin sheath structure and function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Hereditary sensory neuropathy (HSAN), hereditary motor neuropathies (HMN), and small-fiber neuropathies (SFN) also cause peripheral neuropathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exposure to toxins<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Arsenic\nexposure may occur due to drinking water contamination, and work-related\nactivities such as mining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Lead exposure may occur from consumption of illicit whiskey, lead-containing food, herbal medications, and even food contaminated by ceramic glaze in dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immune-mediated conditions<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Guillain-Barre\nsyndrome also called Acute Inflammatory\nDemyelinating Polyneuropathy or AIDP is an autoimmune condition in which the\nimmune system attacks the myelin sheath covering the peripheral nerves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Chronic\nInflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is an autoimmune condition that\noccurs slowly and increases progressively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Immune-mediated neuropathies such as GBS and CIDP are treated\nwith the help of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants. A procedure called\nplasmapheresis is also performed as a temporary solution. IVIg can also be\ninjected. Tricyclic compound drugs, anticonvulsants, some creams that contain\ncapsaicin may be given. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to acknowledge and report the symptoms of any of these neuropathies and report immediately to a doctor. The doctor may perform nerve conduction studies to give a definitive diagnosis. Early-stage treatment may help to reduce the damage or slow down the progression of peripheral neuropathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To seek help or know more about peripheral neuropathies you can visit<\/strong> the Neurology and Sleep Centre<\/strong>, the 1st sleep centre in the country accredited by the Indian Board of Sleep Medicine at L-23, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi-110016 (INDIA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or give a call<\/strong>\non +91-11-46070321, +91-9643500270,<\/strong><\/p>\n