2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43
Neuropathy
Causes and symptoms of neuropathy
Neuropathy is a non-inflammatory lesion of the nerves. The name unites various degenerative-dystrophic changes in peripheral nerves. The nervous system is formed by peripheral nerves and various nerve plexuses, the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nerves, having a thin and at the same time complex structure, are unstable to damaging processes. Distinguish between mononeuropathy, which means damage to one nerve, multiple mononeuropathy in which several nerves are involved in the process, but in different parts of the body and polyneuropathy with the involvement of several nerves and localization in one zone.
Causes of neuropathy
Neuropathy is determined by the location and nature of the nerve damage. Usually, the disease develops after undergoing general diseases, with some intoxications, due to various injuries. There are three forms of neuropathy:
· Diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerve fibers and the smallest vessels with a high content of sugar and lipids in the blood.
· Toxic neuropathy - the cause is damage to the nerve in infectious diseases, among which diphtheria, HIV, herpes, etc. are noted. The normal state of the nerve trunks of poisoning with chemicals and the non-dosed intake of certain medications are disturbed.
· Post-traumatic - often a strong blow or other acute trauma leads to a violation of the integrity of the myelin sheath of the nerve. This form is the result of compression of nerve fibers during bone fracture, improper scar formation and tissue edema. The most common lesions are the sciatic, ulnar and radial nerves.
Quite often, the development of neuropathy is provoked by arthritis, osteochondrosis of the spine, liver and kidney disease, insufficient content of thyroid hormones in the body, tumors, etc.
Symptoms of neuropathy
As a result of nerve damage, muscle tissue thinning and impairment of their reflex function are possible. There is also a change in contractility, a partial loss of sensitivity to stimuli that cause pain. The manifestations of neuropathy can be very diverse, the process of pathology can be localized anywhere and cause, for example, neuropathy of the facial nerve, trigeminal nerve, etc. The motor, sensory or autonomic function of the nerve is affected, which reduces the quality of life. Most people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus have several forms of neuropathy:
Peripheral form of neuropathy, i.e. damage to the nerves that innervate the upper or lower extremities. In this case, there is a tingling sensation on the side of the affected nerve, a violation of the sensitivity of the fingers and toes, a feeling of numbness.
The proximal shape is defined by impaired sensitivity in the legs, in particular in the lower leg, thigh, or buttock.
The autonomous form disrupts the activity of the digestive system and the genitourinary system.
Diagnosis of neuropathy
Neuropathy is a rather complex disease, therefore, anamnesis must be collected especially carefully, since such a disease can develop for a long time without showing symptoms. It is especially important to note whether viral diseases were present, which new drugs were possibly taken, whether there was contact with chemicals.
The disease can provoke alcohol abuse, the presence of a systemic disease. Based on many facts, a diagnosis is made. Neuropathies proceed in different ways with rapidly increasing symptoms, over several days or years. The disease is diagnosed by palpation of the nerve trunks, the presence of thickening is revealed. A Tinel test is performed, a method that consists in tapping the nerve trunk, if the patient feels a tingling sensation in the area of sensitive innervation, the diagnosis is confirmed.
Traditionally, when examining polyneuropathy, blood is examined to determine the ESR. Also, the complex of diagnostics includes chest X-ray, plasma glucose levels are measured after a meal. Serum protein electrophoresis is performed.
Treating neuropathy
The treatment of non-inflammatory nerve lesions is selected individually and requires an integrated approach and constant prevention.
Methods and methods of therapy are selected depending on the degree, form and causes of impaired conduction of nerve fibers. All efforts are made to restore nerve function. The diagnosis of toxic nerve damage primarily involves the elimination of toxic effects. This can be the cancellation of the drug intake, the exclusion of the use of toxic substances.
In the diabetic form, it is necessary to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If a post-traumatic form of damage to nerve fibers is detected, it is recommended to eliminate the traumatic factor. The complex of treatment must necessarily consist of taking painkillers, vitamins of certain groups, drugs that normalize metabolism and enhance the regenerative capacity.
Physiotherapy procedures are also prescribed. Prevention of neuropathy includes restoration of metabolic processes, timely treatment of systemic and infectious diseases. It should be borne in mind that this disease can turn into a chronic stage, so it is advisable to take all necessary measures to prevent an exacerbation.
For patients with such disorders, with a decrease in the tangible symptoms of the disease and a possible chronic process, spa treatment is useful. Where they are prescribed psychotherapeutic procedures, acupuncture, exercise therapy and massage, the method of magnetotherapy, light and laser treatment, aromatherapy.
Prevention of neuropathy
Prevention of neuropathy lies in the care of each person about their health. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise allows you to improve the microcirculation of blood in the limbs and other parts of the body. Prevention of complications of neuropathy is also important. Avoid injuries and burns to hands and feet, wash and inspect parts of the body daily, and if there are any changes, consult a doctor.
It is useful to take foot baths for 15 minutes, rub and lubricate with petroleum jelly. There should be comfortable shoes and timely elimination of corns. Taking keratolytic agents is recommended.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
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