Neuropathy after chemotherapy
Dangerous neuropathy after chemotherapy can often be associated with the strongest side effects of a particular drug, or it can be a consequence of increased intoxication after the disintegration of the immediate tumor. Typically, certain degradation products of the neoplasm can greatly exacerbate systemic inflammation. In some cases, such systemic inflammation is accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, as well as a noticeable deterioration in all blood counts and other complications.
Neurotoxicity is considered one of the most specific systemic complications of virtually any anticancer chemotherapy. In addition, after such treatment, the very quality of life of many patients is significantly deteriorated, since neurotoxicity significantly limits the specific therapeutic possibilities of chemotherapy. The consequence of this is a dose reduction, often it is necessary to completely cancel the necessary treatment.
Dependence of neuropathy on neurotoxicity
Neuropathy can be of varying severity. At the first degree of neurotoxicity, minor changes are observed that practically do not affect the general activity and quality of life of the patient himself, while the intervention of a doctor is not required. For the second degree, moderate changes are characteristic, representing a deterioration in functions that do not significantly affect the daily life of a person. Severe disturbances are inevitable with the third degree of neurotoxicity, when active treatment is required and even a delay in chemotherapy is possible.
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If the doctor diagnoses the fourth degree, which is dangerous for the patient's life, then the immediate withdrawal of chemotherapy is indicated. Many drugs used cause irreversible neurological damage. The immediate development of such neurological symptoms after chemotherapy is a consequence of direct damage to the nervous tissue by a specific neurotoxic drug, or only the indirect development of complications.
These complications include infections in severe forms of myelodepression, metabolic disorders, various accompanying psychosomatic and neurological manifestations. Serious central nervous system lesions can be isolated or combined.
It is no coincidence that the first place is occupied by peripheral neurotoxicity. It is at its basis that the predominant damage to axons or their myelin sheaths are located. In most cases, such neuropathies are recorded only a few weeks after the start of chemotherapy. As a rule, the most common is the distal symmetric neuropathy of the sensory type with significant involvement of the lower extremities.
At the same time, a slowly progressive or gradual increase in certain symptoms of the disorder is characteristic. There is a deterioration in vibration, temperature and proprioceptive sensitivity. Then, quite late, other concomitant disorders of the necessary motor functions appear. Many patients complain of muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.
Early onset is also characteristic of neuropathy after chemotherapy. In exceptional cases, severe limb damage, severe muscle weakness and a fairly rapid loss of all deep reflexes are observed.
With lesions directly to the brain, acute or progressive encephalopathy occurs, cerebellar disorders and convulsive syndrome are possible. It should also be noted psychovegetative disorders, cranial nerve damage, various emotional-affective disorders and dangerous asthenic conditions. This risk group should include patients with diabetes, as well as people with acquired or hereditary neuropathies. Also at risk are people who abuse alcohol, or have liver or kidney dysfunction.
Since neuropathy after chemotherapy directly damages certain nerve cells, the patient experiences joint pain, headache, hypersensitivity of the skin, as well as migraines and aches throughout the body. In different cases, such serious injuries can lead to disability, and can also be temporary. This directly depends on the severity of the underlying disease, the degree of damage to the body and its reserve capabilities.
Pre-existing metabolic disorders, bowel disease, and circulatory disorders can greatly increase neuropathy after chemotherapy. To alleviate the patient's condition, modern pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are shown. A course of taking vitamins and immunosuppressants is also 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".
