Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common chronic neurological disease occurred due to damage of the peripheral nerves. It presents with a variety of symptoms including motor, sensory and autonomic depending on the nerve fibres involved.
Neuropathy can present with a variety of symptoms like sensory symptoms in the form of tingling, numbness in the hands and feet, loss of sensation and burning sensation in feet. It can present with weakness of feet so that there will be difficulty in gripping the footwear tightly also some times autonomic symptoms in the form of loss of sweating.
There are many causes of neuropathy but commonly encounter causes are Diabetes (Most common), nutritional deficiency like Vitamin B12, toxins like alcohol, drugs like antitubercular, anticancer, infection like Leprosy, compressive causes and rarely Immune-mediated. Whenever they are facing these symptoms, neurologist consultation is required as Early diagnosis is the key.
The treatment of neuropathy is basically divided into two parts, first is drugs for tingling and burning sensation like TCAs, Pregabalin or Gabapentin. Secondly if any cause is found, like low Vit-12, then supplementing with Vit B12 will help. Avoidance of alcohol is a must in alcoholic patients.
Controlling blood sugar is the first step is diabetic patients. Take the drugs regularly as advised by a neurologist. Taking care of the foot is very important before ulcer develop.
This is a patient awareness initiative issued by Speak Health in the public interest. The views and opinions expressed by the doctor are his own and are not meant to substitute any patient-specific medical advice.