Knowing the Basics of Peripheral Neuropathy Research

Peripheral neuropathy refers to a debilitating health condition which has very few effective treatments. Previously, researchers could not understand the underlying or defining molecular mechanisms, according to new research findings conducted by researchers at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Because of this, peripheral neuropathy research hopes to improve and increase the movement of new treatments to tackle the complexity of the disease. According to information made available by the US National Institute of Health, about 20 million Americans suffer from one or other form of peripheral neuropathy. Either disease or trauma can inflict damage to the peripheral nervous system which causes numbness, weakness, or pain. Also, this can affect people with cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or such other conditions.

Here at the Pain Care Clinic of Idaho, we continually search for new research and clinical trials into this disease. We strive to study, acquire, and implement better peripheral neuropathy research and treatment for patients suffering from the ailment.

Peripheral Neuropathy in a Broad Perspective

Peripheral neuropathy exists as the form of neuropathy which damages your peripheral nerves. The immediate result of such damage can include: weakness, pain, and numbness. Usually, your hands or feet will be the first affected areas. However, it has the potential to also affect other areas of your body.

The peripheral nervous system of your body works by sending information from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to all other parts of your body.

The cause of a peripheral neuropathy can originate from infections or traumatic injuries. Other causes include: inherited causes, problems with your metabolism, and exposure to dangerous toxins. However, diabetes mellitus remains one of the most prominent causes of peripheral neuropathy.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

While not comprehensive, the causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Diabetes – Over half of the people suffering from diabetes have some type of neuropathies
• Medications – Some types of medications taken to treat a certain illness, like chemotherapy for cancer, can result in peripheral neuropathy
• Alcoholism – Poor and unhealthy dietary choices undertaken by people suffering from alcoholism can lead to a serious deficiency in vitamin levels
• Exposure to poisons – Hazardous substances like metals and heavy chemicals can lead to serious cases of neuropathy damage to the nervous system
• Autoimmune diseases – These include rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory disease, and more.
• Tumors
• Vitamin deficiency – Lack of basic B Vitamins like vitamin B1, B12, B6, as well as Vitamin E
• Other diseases – Like liver diseases, kidney disease, connective tissue disorder, and more.

The latest peripheral neuropathy research has discovered over 100 types and causes of the ailment. Each of these cases present unique clues on their own. At the Pain Care Clinic of Idaho, our specialists know exactly how to identify the cause. Also, we offer solutions to them once you have taken the necessary steps at our facility.

What Are the Various Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Each and every nerve which forms part of your nervous system has a design to function in a specific manner. Therefore, symptoms will depend on the type of affected nerve. For the purpose of clarity, let’s categorize the human nerves:

• Motor nerves – responsible for controlling muscular movement
• Sensory nerves – receive and interpret sensations like vibration, temperature, touch, or pain from the skin
• Autonomic nerves – responsible for controlling the bodily functions, heart rate, blood function, bladder, and digestion

In a broader sense, the various signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include, but not limited to:

• A gradual feeling of prickling, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet. This feeling has the potential of spreading upward into your legs and arms
• Becoming extremely sensitive to touch, whether slight or heavy
• Burning, freezing, sharp, jabbing, or throbbing pain
• Falling and lack of coordination
• Affected motor nerves can cause paralysis or muscle weakness

In a situation where autonomous nerves become affected, the symptoms and signs may include:

• Altered sweating and heat intolerance, or
• Bladder, bowel, or digestive problems, and finally
• Lightheadedness, changes in blood pressure, and dizziness

One important note, peripheral neuropathy research has demonstrated the condition can affect just one nerve. In this case, it would be called “mononeuropathy.” The term “multiple mononeuropathies” refers to when it affects two or more nerves in different areas of the body. Additionally, if many nerves become affected, it is called “polyneuropathy.”

At the Pain Care Clinic of Idaho—(208) 629-2492, we have all the technology and experience to diagnose and verify your type of peripheral neuropathy. Also, we will provide you with the right treatment.

In What Ways Can I Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy?

If you have been asking this question, then you have come to the right place. At the Pain Care Clinic of Idaho, our specialists understand recent peripheral neuropathy research findings and recommendations. As a result, these have equipped us to help patients and potential sufferers prevent the disease.

From the latest peripheral neuropathy research, you can prevent the ailment. First of all, you should manage whatever medical condition which exposes you to the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Such medical conditions include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and alcoholism. Second, our Medicare experts can help you tackle these problems and put you beyond risks of the disorder. Finally, give us a call at (208) 629-2492 and we can set you up for better health. Let us use the latest peripheral neuropathy research findings and clinical trials for your benefit.

Additionally, here are some prevention tips for you which peripheral neuropathy research has taught us.

• Eat and maintain a rich diet which must include fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain. This helps keep your nerves healthy, also
• Engage in a regular workout under your doctor’s supervision. Get a half-to-full hour of daily exercise for a minimum of three times a week, and finally,
• You should avoid activities which may result in nerve damage. These can include: repetitive motions, cramped positions, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to toxic materials.

Do any of these above symptoms seem to describe something you have? Call the Pain Care Clinic of Idaho at (208) 629-2492, to find out more about peripheral neuropathy research.