Symptoms and treatments for neuropathy and what is it? Neuropathy. Causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of pathology What is neuropathy

Numbness of the limbs and the feeling of “goosebumps” crawling on the skin are caused by compression of the nerves, but disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system are sometimes symptoms of severe pathologies.

Neuropathy - what is it?

Anxiety neurosis refers to functional disorders, i.e., malfunctions in the functioning of the anatomically normal central nervous system, caused, for example, by severe stress. Parkinson's diseases are organic pathologies caused by the death of a significant number of nerve cells in the brain. Examples of peripheral nervous system disorders include neuralgia, shingles, and numbness.

Symptoms and causes of neuropathy

Causes of neuropathies

Nerves are processes of nerve cells collected in bundles, each of which is protected by a sheath of a protein-lipid complex - myelin. Nerve fibers can become damaged and pinched, and their sheaths can become inflamed, leading to pain. Nerve cells need an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are delivered by the blood. Therefore, it may be the result primarily of atherosclerosis.

Persistent paresthesia may indicate, for example, neuropathy - progressive damage to sensory nerves, especially the feet and legs. Numbness and pain in the hand are characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pinching and/or inflammation of the median nerve. Numbness and pain (sometimes shooting) in the leg, which sometimes spread from the buttock to the heel, are symptoms of sciatica, i.e. damage to the sciatic nerve, mainly due to its pinching at the level of the spine, for example as a result of a herniated intervertebral disc.

Symptoms of neuropathy

Numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, usually in the feet, legs and hands.

Decreased sensitivity of the limbs.

Shooting pain in legs.

Treating Neuropathy with Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements

The benefits of vitamins, herbs and supplements for neuropathies

If various neuropathies begin to bother you, try taking the remedies recommended below.

B vitamins tone the nervous system. They are especially useful for diabetic neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. Gamma-linolenic acid, contained in aspen oil, also helps well against the first of these disorders. protects the myelin sheath.

Omega-3 fatty acids have a similar effect, which also ensures the transmission of impulses between the brain and peripheral nerves.

It has a powerful antioxidant effect, which protects against nerve damage.

Necessary for nerve conduction: its deficiency can result in anxiety and irritability.

Has a positive effect on the central nervous system. Blueberries improve blood circulation. To relieve sciatica, anti-inflammatory herbs are recommended, in particular. The effectiveness of treatment increases if it is combined with physiotherapeutic procedures.

What else to do for neuropathies

Exercise.

Don't sit for long periods of time without moving.

To relieve neuralgia, apply a compress with pepper tincture to painful areas three times a day.

Among the many neuropathies, dismetabolic, intoxication (endogenous - in diabetes, renal, liver failure, paraneoplastic; exogenous - alcohol, occupational hazards), infectious, immuno-allergic, vascular-ischemic, thermal neuropathies are distinguished.

Cause of neuropathies

The dominant role of the nervous system in the life support of the body as a whole is well known. At the same time, under the influence of various factors, both the central and peripheral nervous systems are often damaged, which is manifested by disturbances in the metabolism and structure of the bodies of neurons and their processes, which are characterized by axonal degeneration, segmental demyelination and a typical reaction to the intersection of a nerve with Wallerian degeneration. Due to metabolic disorders in the neuron, either axonopathy develops with the disintegration of the axonal cylinder, or myelinopathy with segmental or diffuse damage to the myelin sheath without damage to the axons and then neuropathy. It develops primarily in the distal regions of axons and dendrites. The clinical picture is manifested by impaired sensitivity in the distal parts of the extremities in the form of “gloves” or “socks”, a decrease or loss of deep reflexes, weakness in the hands and feet. Electroneuromyographic changes in neuropathy are characterized by disturbances in the amplitude of the M-response, disturbances in the speed of impulse conduction, and partial blockade of impulses. When a nerve is injured (especially when it is crossed), the function of motor and sensory neurons is lost with the development of paralysis of the corresponding neuromyotome and anesthesia in the neurodermatome.

With endogenous (in cases of diabetes, chronic renal failure) or exogenous intoxication, the function of those neurons that have the longest processes (axons of motor neurons, dendrites of sensory neurons of the spinal ganglia) is disrupted. Clinically, this is manifested by paresis and/or sensory impairment in the distal limbs.

Another mechanism of damage to peripheral nerves and the occurrence of neuropathy is compression-ischemic. It occurs at any site along the fibers of the neurons of the spinal cord, spinal ganglia: spinal root, plexus, peripheral nerve. This usually occurs in certain “narrow” places, designated by tunnels: spasmodic muscles, tendon-bone canals, fascia - through which nerve structures and the vessels feeding them pass. Pathological processes in this case are more limited (than with polyneuropathies); the bodies of neurons in the spinal cord and spinal ganglia are usually preserved, which allows for the regeneration of axons and dendrites with regression of clinical manifestations. Therefore, therapeutic measures should include the entire gamut of pathogenetically based therapy for neuropathy, in particular neuroprotectors.

Symptoms of neuropathy

At the initial stages of nerve damage due to neuropathy, the main clinical manifestation is often a sign of irritation of sensory fibers. A decrease in sensitivity occurs later - as a symptom of switching off the function of the sensory neuron. The ancients figuratively called pain the “watchdog of health.” A large range of neurons are involved in its formation, making up both the nociceptive and antinociceptive systems and the limbic cortex of the brain, where emotions and sensations are formed. Pain sensations vary depending on the area of ​​neuronal irritation. When receptor structures in the skin, periosteum, ligaments, muscles, and internal organs are damaged, the pain is locally limited. Irritation of the dendrites of sensory neurons along the course of a nerve, plexus or spinal root is characterized by irradiation of acute pain (like electric current, cutting, shooting, lancinating, stabbing) into the zone of tissue innervation (dermatome, dermatoneurotome). Such pain can be eliminated by blocking with anesthetics in the receptor area or along the nerve or spinal root, as discussed above. It is more difficult to treat pain when the conduction systems of the spinal cord are damaged (conductive pain) and the thalamus, the cerebral cortex - the cortical end of the sensitive analyzer, as well as psychogenic pain. Vegetalgia and referred pain due to pathology of internal organs are also difficult to eliminate.

The clinical picture of neuropathy can develop acutely, subacutely or chronically. Men and women are equally affected; the difference depends to some extent on occupational hazards. The provoking factor is often hypothermia, excessive physical activity, prolonged stay in a forced uncomfortable position, acute somatic illness, and prolonged malnutrition.

Diagnostic methods and examination

Diagnosis is carried out according to anamnesis, a detailed study of the neurological status, determination of the clinical syndrome, and knowledge of the topical diagnosis of neuropathy. Additional diagnostic methods used include:

• electroneuromyography (ENMG), which allows you to determine the location and extent of the lesion (root, spinal nerve, peripheral nerve, motor and sensory neurons), as well as the option of the predominant lesion - axonal or demyelinating;
• X-ray, CT, MRI studies - assessing the pathology of bone structures, spinal cord (degenerative lesions of the spine, vascular, tumor, demyelinating processes). In this case, myelography and selective spinal (assessment of lesions of the arteries and veins of the lumbosacral region) may be useful;
• lumbar puncture with examination of cerebrospinal fluid, which makes it possible to diagnose tumor, tuberculosis, syphilitic and other processes.

Advances in recent decades have radically impacted the accuracy of diagnosis and the quality of patient treatment. This refers to immunological methods that make it possible to include modern drugs with organ-specific action in treatment complexes and to evaluate the level of antibodies to myelin basic protein and to determine antibodies to nerve growth factor.

Treatment of neuropathy

Of course, therapeutic measures in a particular case are based on knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of the diagnosed neuropathy, taking into account the leading symptoms and signs, the phase of the disease (exacerbation or remission), and the combination of competing and corresponding pathological conditions, including psycho-emotional status. The primary objectives are to relieve pain, level out pathogenesis factors, and ensure the patient’s previous level of motor and social activity. This often requires bed rest and multifaceted pharmacotherapy (non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatory and decongestants, local anesthesia, distracting and irritating drugs, agents that activate the body’s metabolism both in general and by targeting a specific type of metabolism). At the recovery stage, physiotherapeutic procedures are carefully added. The presence of pronounced (clinically significant) autoimmune processes accompanying these diseases determines the use of a short course of glucocorticoids. However, here it should be emphasized that it is inadmissible to take drugs for neuropathy simultaneously (“in one go”), since this leads to uncontrollable chemical reactions and there is no chance for a programmed course of the therapeutic effect from each drug. Consistency in taking individual medications is necessary, taking into account their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability.

In neuropathy, effects on the receptor apparatus of the dendrites of sensory neurons are widely used: local or conduction anesthesia, intraosseous, endolumbar, endosacral epidural administration of anesthetic drugs, electrical stimulation reflex anesthesia along with electrophoresis of pharmacological drugs. Angioprotectors, antispasmodics, neuroprotectors, adaptogens, antioxidants, immunomodulators, vitamins, provitamins, coenzymes, as well as drugs that improve the trophism of cartilage and connective tissue are very actively used in the drug treatment of neuropathies.

Disability and disability due to neuropathies

The examination of temporary disability and disability of patients with compression-ischemic neuropathies (tunnel syndromes) is practically not covered in the specialized literature. At the same time, clinical experience and literature data on neuropathies indicate that in the vast majority of patients, tunnel symptoms develop during the most active working period and often against the background of the highest professional productivity. It is the overload of certain muscle groups associated with the profession (musicians, painters, apparatus assemblers, stenographers, milkmaids) that either first cause tunnel neuropathy or provoke it in remission. Therefore, with almost every such patient, the doctor has to carefully resolve expert issues, especially in persons with compression-ischemic lesions of the nerves of the hands.

The ability to work of patients with tunnel syndrome may be reduced at different stages of the disease. In the stage of persistent symptoms of neuropathy, pain and paresthesia are expressed. Their nocturnal nature often leads to sleep disturbances and severe neurotic disorders. Therefore, in stage III neuropathy, patients need courses of treatment with temporary release from work, in which the muscles belonging to the affected tunnel are actively involved. Providing limb rest for 5-6 days with adequate conservative treatment with local injections of hydrocortisone and other means can at least temporarily eliminate the manifestations of carpal tunnel syndrome.

If neuropathy does not have a direct connection with professional workload, then sick leave is issued in cases of frequent night attacks of paresthesia and (or) pain that significantly disturb sleep. At this stage of tunnel syndrome, the patients’ ability to work may be impaired under conditions of increasing load on the corresponding limb (for example, during seasonal work, overtime work, while mastering additional professional skills). In this situation, it may be necessary to transfer the patient to work that is not associated with overstrain of the corresponding muscles.

To diagnose neuropathies at this stage of the disease, all known tests that provoke paresthesia and pain are used. If a person complains of severe attacks of acroparesthesia that occur spontaneously at night or during work, and tests provoking paresthesia give negative results, there is reason to think about a significant exaggeration of the symptoms of the disease. In such cases, verification of the initial symptoms of neuropathy can be carried out using electroneuromyography. Already in the early stages of tunnel syndromes, an increase in the time and a slowdown in the speed of impulse transmission along the fibers, a change in the configuration and amplitude of the nerve action potential, and an extension of the latent period of the M-response are often observed.

At the stage of pronounced symptoms and persistent signs of neuropathy, patients are released from work and, if necessary, undergo treatment in a neurological hospital. The length of stay in the hospital is very variable, depending on the characteristics of the pathogenesis, localization and depth of damage to the nerve trunk, as well as on the method of treatment. In the presence of a reflex or radicular concomitant syndrome, the time of hospital stay for neuropathy can be extended to 45 days. For example, with spondylogenic scalene syndrome, the average bed-day was 21.5 days, and with spondylogenic piriformis syndrome - 37.8 days.

After the elimination of paresthesia and pain due to neuropathy, the patient’s ability to work is largely determined by the work regime and profession. If the patient returns to his previous work with a significant load on the muscles related to the pathogenic tunnel, then he is subject to longer treatment in the rehabilitation department of a hospital, in a clinic or in a sanatorium at an industrial enterprise. Subsequently, patients with recurrent neuropathy are referred to VKK.

Persistent disability due to neuropathy in patients with tunnel syndromes occurs rarely and is caused by several factors: the severity of clinical manifestations in the residual stage, the frequency of relapses, the nature of the course, and working conditions in a given profession. Such patients should definitely be consulted with occupational pathologists in order to resolve the issue of recognition of permanent disability associated with an occupational disease.

When a Group III disability is established due to neuropathy, it is necessary to transfer the patient from a job that is contraindicated for him to another in the same profession, but with a reduction in qualifications or a significant change in working conditions and, accordingly, a reduction in wages. VTEC experts recommend to the patient the types of work that are most suitable for him.

The basis for determining disability group II for neuropathy is long-term and severe dysfunction of large nerves of the limbs or plexuses, low effectiveness of treatment in a neurological or neurosurgical hospital (after 4 months of treatment), as well as after surgical interventions in such patients. If the postoperative period progresses well, after a year the patient can be significantly rehabilitated, and he is transferred to group III or employed through the VKK.

Prevention of neuropathies

Prevention of compression-ischemic neuropathies is very promising. The ways to prevent many carpal tunnel syndromes are varied:

• correct organization of the work regime with an optimal limitation of the duration of work associated with prolonged workload, stereotypic movements. It is necessary to organize work so that intense work involving some muscles is replaced by switching to other muscles. Pregnant women are not recommended to do long-term washing, sewing or knitting;
• mechanization of labor processes. Successfully developing robotics must first of all replace a person who performs labor with stereotypical hand movements. The introduction of mechanized milking of cows into livestock farming has eased the work of milkmaids and led to a decrease in the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome among them;
• proper treatment of bone injuries if a neurovascular bundle is located near the fracture site (for example, with a fracture of the middle third of the shoulder, bones of the wrist joint, fibula and bones of the foot);
• correct professional orientation. In the presence of bone anomalies in the form of an additional cervical rib, a high first rib, relatively small hand sizes with a narrow carpal tunnel;
• timely and persistent treatment of deforming polyarthritis, endocrine dysfunction (diabetes, acromegaly, myxedema, menopause) to reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome if it is predisposed (hereditary or occupational).

Carrying out all of these preventive measures will reduce the number of diseases of neuropathies and tunnel syndromes.

Neuropathy is a disease that affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS controls the motor, sensory, and automatic (such as blood pressure and sweating) functions of the body. When nerves are damaged, a variety of symptoms can occur, depending on which nerves are affected. Foot neuropathy affects 2.4% of all people, including 8% over 55 years of age. Although diabetes is the main cause, neuropathy can be hereditary or develop due to infection, other illnesses, or injury, so you should see a doctor for treatment.

Steps

Part 1

Walk regularly. Try to get out of the house at least three times a week or do safe exercise that suits you. You can also ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate exercise regimen for you. Exercise will improve blood flow and nutrition to damaged nerves. Walking lowers your overall blood sugar levels and helps you better control your diabetes. If you can control your diabetes, you may be able to reduce neuropathy.

• If you're having trouble finding free time to exercise, remember that taking small steps is all it takes. For example, you can clean the house, play with the dog, or wash your car yourself. All of these activities promote blood circulation.

1. Do foot baths. Fill a small container (such as a basin) with warm water and add 1 cup (about 420 grams) of Epsom salts for every liter of water. Make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 40 degrees. After this, lower your feet into the water. Warm water will help you relax and relieve foot pain. Among other things, Epsom salts contain magnesium, which helps relax muscles.

   Reduce your consumption of alcoholic beverages or stop drinking them altogether. Alcohol is toxic to nerves, especially if they are already damaged. It is necessary to limit alcohol consumption to 4 servings (one serving is about 40 milliliters of strong drink, 120 milliliters of wine or 250 milliliters of beer), consumed evenly throughout the week. Some types of neuropathy develop due to alcoholism, so if you have neuropathy, you should abstain from alcohol. Avoiding alcohol will help alleviate symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.

   • If you have a history of alcoholism in your family, you may need to stop drinking alcohol completely. Consider giving up alcohol completely - it will help you stay healthy.

2. Take evening primrose oil. This natural oil is extracted from the flowers of wild plants and is available in tablet form. Ask your doctor to recommend the appropriate dosage of a dietary supplement that contains evening primrose oil. Studies have shown that the fatty acids contained in this oil can alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy. These fatty acids improve nerve function.

   • The beneficial fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is also found in borage oil and blackcurrant oil.

3. Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Stimulation of these active, or acupuncture, points results in the release of endorphins, which relieve pain. The acupuncturist will insert four to ten needles into the acupuncture points and leave them there for about half an hour. It will take 6-12 sessions over three months.

   • Before contacting an acupuncturist, check their reputation. Find out if he has the necessary equipment and sterile needles to avoid possible infections.

4. Consider complementary and alternative treatments. In addition to acupuncture, symptoms of neuropathy can be relieved with medications and low-intensity electrical stimulation. Electromyostimulation uses probes charged from a set of small batteries that are placed on the skin around the areas where pain is felt. As a result, a closed electrical circuit is formed, and an electric current passes through the diseased areas, which stimulates them. Electromyostimulation has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of neuropathic pain, although more research is needed.

   Part 2

   Drug treatment

   1. Take medications prescribed by your doctor. There are many different medications available to treat neuropathy. Your doctor will pay special attention to the disease or disorder that is underlying the neuropathy, which will help alleviate symptoms and improve the functioning of the nerves in your legs. Your doctor may prescribe the following medications:

      Take opioids as prescribed by your doctor. To reduce the pain of neuropathy, your doctor may prescribe long-acting opioids. As a rule, this requires an individual approach, since side effects such as dependence, addiction (the effect of the drug decreases over time) and headaches are possible.

      • To treat chronic neuropathy (dysimmune neuropathy), your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressive medications (such as cyclophosphamide) if other medications do not help.

   2. Talk to your doctor about surgery. Depending on the cause of the neuropathy, your doctor may recommend decompression surgery. This operation will release pinched nerves, which will help them function properly. Decompression surgery is often used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, certain types of hereditary neuropathy that involve foot and ankle problems may benefit from such surgeries.

   Part 3

   Improve your health

   1. Include more vitamins in your diet. Unless you have diabetes or other obvious systemic diseases, neuropathy can be caused by a deficiency of vitamins E, B1, B6 and B12. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking vitamin supplements. Before recommending nutritional supplements or other treatments, your doctor must determine the cause of the neuropathy.

      • To get more vitamins from healthy foods, eat enough green leafy vegetables, egg yolks and liver.

   2. Control your diabetes. Neuropathy usually develops many years after diabetes is diagnosed. Proper control of diabetes helps prevent neuropathy or slow its progression. However, neuropathy usually cannot be completely cured once it has already begun to develop. Your doctor will focus on controlling your diabetes and relieving pain caused by neuropathy.

      • It is necessary to monitor your blood glucose levels. On an empty stomach, this level should be 70-130 mg/dL (3.9-7.2 mmol/L), and two hours after breakfast it should not exceed 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). You should also monitor your blood pressure.

   3. Prevent injury and ulceration. Neuropathy can lead to decreased sensation in the feet, which increases the likelihood of injuries such as cuts, punctures and scrapes. Be sure to wear socks and shoes both at home and outside. Repeated injuries to the feet can lead to the formation of ulcers that do not heal well. Also, during regular visits to your doctor, ask him to examine your feet.

      • Wear loose-fitting shoes, such as mules, but avoid shoes, sandals, or flip-flops that don't provide enough support. Shoes that are too tight can interfere with proper blood circulation in the feet, increasing the risk of ulcers.
      • Make sure your toenails are the appropriate length. This will prevent the formation of ingrown toenails. Be careful when cutting your nails. Do not use blades to avoid accidental cuts.

   4. Make sure that existing ulcers are clean. Rinse affected areas with warm water and salt. To do this, take a sterile bandage and soak it in salted water, then remove dead tissue from the ulcers. Then cover the sores with a dry, sterile bandage. Change the dressing once or twice a day, or more often if it becomes wet. If the sore has a foul odor, see your doctor immediately, as this may indicate a fairly serious infection.

      • If sores appear, tell your doctor immediately. If the ulcers are small, they can be treated with bandages and antibiotics. However, large ulcers are often difficult to treat and can even lead to amputation of fingers or feet.

Injury or illness can affect any part of the nerve fibers in our body. There is a classification of neuropathy, the creators of which were guided by the type and location of the damaged nerve.

Types of nervous disorder

1. Peripheral neuropathy. Mechanical injury or disease affects the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, that is, that part of the nervous tissue that is located outside the brain and spinal cord. This type of neuropathy is localized to the tips of the fingers, toes, feet, and palms.
2. Proximal neuropathy. The pathology is characterized by painful sensations concentrated in the thighs and buttocks.
3. Cranial neuropathy. This type of pathology occurs due to dysfunction of one of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that exit directly from the brain. Cranial neuropathy is divided into visual and auditory. Optic neuropathy occurs when the optic nerve is damaged, while auditory neuropathy occurs when the auditory nerve is damaged.
4. Autonomic neuropathy occurs when the autonomic nervous system, which controls the heart muscle, blood flow, digestive activity, bladder function and intestinal motility, sweating and sexuality, is affected by injury or illness.
5. Local neuropathy, the symptoms of which appear unexpectedly, usually develops in one specific area of ​​the body.

Why does neuropathy occur?

The primary sources of pathology are numerous factors. Among them are various diseases, injuries, infectious lesions and even hypo- and. Let's list some of them:

1. . Due to this systemic disease, peripheral damage to nerve fibers develops, which is also called diabetic neuropathy. In people with high blood sugar levels, the risk of experiencing this pathology increases with age and duration of the disease. People most often affected are those who have difficulty controlling diabetes, who have unsuccessfully tried to lose excess weight, and who have high levels of lipids in the blood and high blood pressure.
2. Violation of the integrity of nerve fibers can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body.
3. The onset of neuropathy is often rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases of an autoimmune nature.
4. Nerve damage can be caused by certain infections. Among them are HIV and AIDS, syphilis, and Lyme disease.
5. in especially severe cases it gives rise to postherpetic neuropathy.
6. It’s not difficult to guess what could be the onset of alcoholic neuropathy.
7. Pathological damage to nerves is caused by uremia, a disease in which large amounts of waste products accumulate in the body due to kidney failure.
8. Neuropathy can be caused by toxic and poisonous substances. Gold compounds, arsenic, mercury, lead, synthetic solvents, nitric oxide, and phosphates pose a great danger to health.
9. Some antibacterial agents and drugs used to treat cancer have a destructive effect on neurons.
10. Mechanical trauma, prolonged compression of the nerve, or a tumor pinching the nerve fibers lead to the development of neuropathy.
11. Sometimes the cause of nerve damage cannot be determined. This neuropathy is called idiopathic.

Signs of pathology

All types of neuropathy, regardless of the cause, have a number of common specific symptoms. The intensity of the manifestation of pathology in different people can vary markedly:

• with peripheral neuropathy, the area of ​​the foot or palm becomes numb and loses sensitivity. Tingling and pain may spread from the leg/arm towards the torso. Numbness prevents the patient from determining the position of the joint, which causes falls. Sometimes high sensitivity to touch develops;
• Low sensitivity on the feet causes inattention to wounds and other injuries. This threatens the infection to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, and then into the soft tissues and bones. History has recorded cases of amputation of limbs due to untreated microtraumas;
• when the nerves responsible for motor functions are damaged, general weakness, loss of reflexes appear, thinness develops, and it happens;
• , vomiting, dyspepsia;
• genitourinary system disorder (urinary incontinence, sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder);
• men's;
• fainting;
• constipation and diarrhea;
• blurred vision;
• poor heat tolerance.

Diagnosis of pathology

The necessary studies are prescribed based on the initial symptoms of neuropathy. To confirm a nervous system disorder, the following tests are performed:

1. Electromyography. Using a thin needle with an electrode inserted into the muscle, it is determined how active the muscle fibers are.
2. Test for the speed of impulse transmission along nerve fibers. Special sensors equipped with electrodes are attached to the skin of different parts of the body. Each of the sensors produces a weak electrical impulse that affects the nearest nerve. The electrical activity of the nerves indicates the speed of impulse transmission between the sensor electrodes.

In some cases, a nerve fiber biopsy is used: a small area of ​​nerve fiber tissue is examined under a microscope. The subject of the study, as a rule, is part of the calf nerve fibers or nerve tissue on the wrist.

Drug therapy for pathology

Pathology therapy begins, first of all, with eliminating the root cause of the disease. For example, treatment of diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases, and vitamin deficiency can significantly improve the condition of a patient who is experiencing neuropathy.

Treatment of different types of neuropathy is symptomatic. Well-known painkillers of the type do not give the desired effect when it comes to damage to nervous tissue. Medicines that can alleviate the patient's suffering with neuropathy include:

• antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Paroxetine, etc.);
• anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine, Pregabalin);
• opiates (Tramadol, Oxycodone);
• topical medications (capsaicin cream, lidocaine patch).

Folk remedies for treating neuropathy

MirSovetov reminds that all traditional recipes must be discussed with the patient in advance with the attending physician.

This is a simple but very effective way to relieve pain from peripheral neuropathy. 3 times a day, bare feet trample on fresh nettle leaves for 15-20 minutes.

Make a mixture of leaves, motherwort and oregano. Take 100 g of each herb and pour 3 liters of boiling water over the raw material, leave for an hour. Then immerse the affected part of the body in this bath for 15-20 minutes.

Even if you don’t have the necessary herbs at home, you can simply soak your sore feet in warm water, and then smear your feet with a cream that contains bee venom.

Lemon peel soaked in olive oil perfectly relieves pain in the feet. Tape the “medicine” to your feet, put on warm socks and leave it on overnight.

Is it possible to prevent neuropathy?

If possible, complications of diseases that can cause the development of neuropathy should be avoided. In case of diabetes mellitus, for example, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level, preventing it from reaching a critical level. This will help prevent the onset of diabetic neuropathy. The same applies to a nervous disorder that develops due to improper or insufficient nutrition and alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, genetic and hereditary disorders of the nervous system cannot be prevented.

Neuropathy is one of several forms of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The disease is congenital and manifests itself at an early age. But in some cases it can also be an acquired disease, for example due to diabetes or injury.

Reasons

Damage to the nervous system occurs for several reasons. Among them, the following are especially common:

1. Diabetes mellitus.
2. Deficiency of cyanocobalamin and folic acid.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Infections.
5. Alcoholism.
6. Amyloidosis.
7. Uremia.
8. Toxic damage.
9. Medicines.
10. Injuries.
11. Tumors.

In some cases, the source cannot be determined. No one can say for sure what this is connected with. And diseases that arise without identified causes are called idiopathic. In all other cases, only a neurologist can identify the cause and prescribe the correct treatment. Self-prescription of drugs can lead to a number of complications, which cannot always be cured.

Types

There are two types of this disease. The first type is called peripheral. This does not affect the nerves that are located in the skull or spine, but only those in the limbs are affected.

Cardinal appears when the functioning of one of the 12 pairs of nerves located in the skull is disrupted. There is also a division here - visual and auditory.

Autonomic occurs when there is a disruption in the functioning of the nerves that are responsible for the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels, stomach and intestines, and sweating.

Local occurs when one nerve or group of nerves responsible for the innervation of one part of the body is damaged.

Symptoms

In some cases, a person has no signs of the disease or they are very mild, and sometimes the symptoms depend on the cause that caused the disease. Let's look at the most common types.

Peroneal nerve neuropathy is very rare. The main symptom is a twisting of the foot while running or walking. If a person wears shoes without a back, then they constantly fall off their feet. Finger extension is also impaired. For unknown reasons, these symptoms occur in women aged 10 to 19 years. Men almost never get this disease.

Trigeminal neuropathy is a disease whose main symptom is pain. It can either intensify or subside. This is accompanied by lacrimation, drooling, intolerance to loud sound, and impaired taste.

Alcoholic neuropathy is manifested by ulcers on the legs and arms, vomiting and diarrhea with blood, urinary incontinence, pain and numbness in the extremities, fatigue, and dizziness. The muscles are constantly in a state of spasm. Memory loss occurs and difficulties in movement appear. However, the disease begins to manifest itself only in the case of chronic alcoholism.

Compression-ischemic neuropathy occurs when a particular nerve is compressed. A surgeon can help here.

Diabetic neuropathy has a wide range of manifestations. This is the most severe form of the disease, which cannot be cured. Symptoms worth noting include:

1. Central nervous system disorder.
2. Comatose states.
3. Cerebral circulation disorders.
4. Kidney failure.
5. Neurosis-like conditions.
6. Encephalopathy.
7. Myelopathy.

Therapy

Since neuropathy is a disease that is secondary and often develops against the background of another, to eliminate its symptoms it is necessary to treat the underlying disease, and this is diabetes, alcoholism, infections, hypovitaminosis, kidney disease. Only in this case can this disease be cured.

Neuropathy of the lower extremities should be treated in a hospital under the supervision of an experienced specialist. However, even at home, after discharge from the hospital, you need to follow some rules to avoid complications.

1. Be sure to massage your feet.
2. Stop smoking.
3. Take care of the skin on your feet.
4. Avoid wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes.

The therapy uses drugs such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, painkillers, which are often used tramal or tramadol. The use of antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid, is necessary.

If treatment was timely, the prognosis is favorable. If severe damage to the nerve occurs, then it is impossible to restore its action.