Peripheral neuropathy is
an inflammation and/or degeneration of the nerves in the extremities.
Although it is not known what actually causes the condition to develop,
it often occurs in people with diabetes, alcoholism, certain immune system
disorders, and in people who have deficiencies in vitamin B12, thiamine,
and folic acid.
The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
primarily occur in the hands and/or feet and include a burning pain or
numbness and tingling. Any pressure to the hand and feet causes pain, sometimes
even to the point of not being able to tolerate socks on your feet or being
able to pick up items with your fingers. Walking can be difficult and your
balance may be poor. You may experience clumsiness in the hands.
There is no cure for neuropathy.
Treatment focuses instead on the symptoms and includes:
Adequate pain management- many
different types of pain medications may be tried before an effective medication
at the appropriate dose is found
Anti-depressant medications
have been used successfully
Topical creams
Immunoglobulin (special type
of antibody)injections
Plasmapheresis treatments involve
removing some of the patient’s blood and transfusing certain blood products
back into the patient
