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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION
DEC 2016/JAN 2017
UNDERSTANDING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY Submitted By: Peak Medical With November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re taking a look at a painful and prevalent associated condi- tion – peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that up to 20 million people in the United States have some form of peripheral neu- ropathy, and a common cause is diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can also result from injuries, infections, chronic medical condi- tions, and heavy alcohol consumption, among other things. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system – the vast com- munications network that transmits infor- mation between the central nervous sys- tem (the brain and spinal cord) and every other part of the body. The Link Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy Diabetes mellitus, characterized by chroni- cally high blood glucose levels, is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimat- ed that 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nervous sys- tem damage. This damage can affect sen- sory, motor, and autonomic nerves, and usually results in varied symptoms. Along with pins, needles, and burning and stabbing pain sensations, numbness is a troubling symptom of nerve damage due to diabetes. People who lose sensation are the ones most likely to get ulcers on their feet and to end up needing amputations. The Diagnosis The painful symptoms of peripheral neu- ropathy are highly variable. Diagnosis may require several steps. An exam will involve taking a complete patient history; checking tendon reflexes, muscle tone, motor func- tion and the sense of touch; collecting urine and blood specimens to screen for metabolic or autoimmune disorders; and tests to determine the nature and extent of nerve damage. In addition to clinical examination, other important tests may include nerve conduc- tion velocity testing to see how fast electri- cal signals move; and electromyography, which measures the motor unit potentials of muscles during contraction and any abnormal potentials at rest. In some cases, a biopsy may also be ordered to inspect the extent of nerve damage. A Range of Treatment Options Most treatments for neuropathy are geared towards treating the symptoms. They usu- ally involve prescription medications that mask symptoms and provide relief, and in some severe cases, opiate analgesics. When drugs are ineffective or side effects intolerable, an option for some patients may be use of an implanted electrical stim- ulator. The stimulator, called a neuromodu- lator, interrupts pain signals by producing a mild tingling sensation (paresthesia) in the painful area. In addition, recent research has shown that laser therapy – which is painless and nonin- vasive – can help treat the underlying causes of neuropathy and aid symptom manage- ment. Deep tissue laser therapy stimulates microcirculation (circulation of the blood in the smallest blood vessels) around the nerve fibers. Increases in microcirculation have been shown to help decrease inflammation, boost tissue regeneration, accelerate heal- ing, and reduce neuropathic pain. Some types of peripheral neuropathy devel- op suddenly, while others progress more slowly over many years. Because the changes are often subtle and happen as we age, people tend to ignore the signs of nerve damage, thinking it's just part of get- ting older. If you have any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment offers the best chance for preventing fur- ther damage to your peripheral nerves. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may depend on the kind of peripheral nerves that have been damaged. There are three types of peripheral nerves: motor, sensory and autonomic. Some neuropathies affect all three types of nerves, while others involve only one or two. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often include: • A sensation of wearing an invisible “glove” or “sock” • Burning sensation or freezing pain • Sharp, jabbing, shooting, or electric-like pain • Extreme sensitivity to touch • Difficulty sleeping because of feet and leg pain • Loss of balance and coordination • Muscle weakness • Muscle cramping/twitching • Difficulty walking or moving the arms • Unusual sweating • Abnormalities in blood pressure or pulse If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, call us at Peak Medical today to see how we can help you 908-665-0770. Peak Medical is conveniently located at 492 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ, 07922 www.theconnectionsnj.com