Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from a disruption in the normal functioning of peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are the ones outside the brain and spinal cord.
There are 3 types of peripheral nerves.
There is a high prevalence rate of neuropathy in people of all ages with an increased risk in older patients. About 8% of adults over the age of 65 reports some degree of neuropathy.
Since the condition can affect several nerves at the same time, symptoms vary depending on the type of nerves affected. They can also appear suddenly or go away over time and range in intensity. What matters is that these symptoms do not pose a threat to life.
Some peripheral neuropathies tend to progress fairly slowly, over months or years, while others develop more rapidly and continue to progress over time.
If you experience similar symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of neuropathy help control the disease and prevent the development of complications.
Uncontrolled peripheral neuropathy can cause irreversible health effects. The condition contributes to the progression of motor impairment, provoking reduction or loss of deep tendon reflexes. Patients often complain of reduced muscle mass in the shoulders and forearms, hips, and legs.
People with chronic polyneuropathies often lose the ability to feel pain and sense temperature, so they often have injuries and prolonged pressure on body parts. It mostly affects joints since they are often insensitive to pain. Damage to certain nerves is associated with diarrhea, constipation, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Other consequences of polyneuropathy include sexual dysfunction and low blood pressure.
Complications of diabetic neuropathy can result in purulent secretions. It happens due to decreased or complete loss of sensitivity, and people do not even notice microtraumas, abrasions, and calluses.
Since peripheral neuropathy can be caused by multiple factors, it is often difficult to identify the underlying cause.
Diagnostic testing for peripheral neuropathy includes urinalysis, complete blood count, blood glucose tests, and assessment of the hormonal milieu. Radiography, computed tomography, and MRI are also considered useful diagnostic tools for detecting the disorder. Quantitative sensory testing or electroneuromyography can be used to check the condition of the peripheral nerves.