subject: The Little Known Condition That Afflicts 20 Million Americans [print this page] The Little Known Condition That Afflicts 20 Million Americans
Neuropathy may not make the headlines. In fact, many people have never heard of it. But neuropathy is a disease that afflicts 20 million Americans. This is a chronic, often painful and sometimes debilitating condition that can strike anyone, at any age.Neuropathy means nerve damage. People with neuropathy suffer from a wide range of symptoms that are brought on when nerves in the body are damaged.There are three main types of nerve in the body. Sensory nerves govern our senses (heat, cold, pressure, touch). Motor nerves regulate our muscles. Autonomic nerves control the internal organs. When any or all of these kinds of nerve suffer damage or destruction, neuropathic symptoms can occur.Peripheral neuropathy is the medical term for neuropathy that causes symptoms on the body's periphery, that is, the hands and feet. These symptoms can include sensations of numbness, tingling, cold, tingling, "pins and needles," and different types of pains from sudden sharp jabs to dull aches.Neuropathy is a progressive disorder, meaning that it tends to get worse over time. However, there are many treatments for neuropathy. In some cases, the neuropathy can be relieved; in other cases, the neuropathy can at best be managed.About a third of the people who develop neuropathy have diabetes. Many diseases can cause neuropathy (including HIV/AIDs, tumors, some infections) and diabetes heads the list. About two-thirds of people who develop neuropathy get neuropathy because some other disease or condition damaged their nervous system.Another third of neuropathy patients have neuropathy for no known cause. This is called idiopathic neuropathy.The symptoms from neuropathy can be as unique as the individuals who suffer from neuropathy. The condition can start suddenly or begin gradually. Early symptoms can be tingling, cold, the feeling of wearing gloves or socks even when hands and feet are uncovered, and tingling, buzzing, "pins and needles" sensations. Such weird feelings may occur spontaneously, for no apparent reason, and come and go without warning. Painful symptoms can also occur, with "electric shock" type pain and sharp, shooting pains often reported.Neuropathy can start in feet or hands or both. After a while, these feelings can spread and to the legs and arms.Other symptoms can include a heaviness in the muscles and a loss of balance.Some people with neuropathy have trouble walking because they lose the awareness of where their feet are. It can be difficult for a person with neuropathy to grasp or grip items.Neuropathy can also be a side effect of certain medications. About 4% of all neuropathy cases are called medication-induced neuropathy. In many cases, the neuropathy will reverse or go away when the medication is stopped. Probably the most common category of medicine that can cause neuropathy are certain chemotherapy drugs.People with neuropathy should consult with their physician and possibly get a referral to a neurologist. Neuropathy is a complex condition and while there is no cure, there may be things that can help slow its progression and relieve symptoms.
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