Peripheral neuropathy: Symptoms And Causes

Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord- the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nervous system is the nervous system outside the central nervous system which is the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system.

People with peripheral neuropathy can often experience weakness, numbness, and pain, most prominently in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and functions of the body, including digestion, urination, and circulation. 


Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy


The symptoms of Peripheral neuropathy depend on which type of nerve is affected. There are three types of nerves in the peripheral nervous system with specific functions respectively. 


Motor nerves, sensory nerves and autonomic nerves are the three types of nerves in the peripheral nervous system.

The motor nerves are responsible for controlling cell movement; the sensory nerves are for sensations such as temperature, pain or touch; autonomic nerves are responsible for controlling functions such as blood pressure, perspiration, heart rate and digestion. 


If the peripheral neuropathy disorder affects one nerve then it is mononeuropathy, if two or more nerves are in different areas then multiple mononeuropathies, or many nerves bed as polyneuropathy. 


Some common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include;


  • Numbness and tingling sensation in hands and arms that might also spread to the other body parts.

  • Unusual muscle weakness 

  • Weird feeling of wearing socks or gloves even when you're not. 

  • Sensitivity to touch 

  • Sharp and throbbing pain

  • Difficulty in coordination


In case of any damage to autonomic nerves due to peripheral neuropathy, then one may experience symptoms like Heat intolerance; Excessive sweating; not sweating; Bowel, bladder or digestive problems; Drops in blood pressure causing dizziness. 


These above-mentioned are some of the most common symptoms of the peripheral nervous system that one can experience. And if someone does experience these symptoms then it is advised to visit a neurologist in Delhi for further assistance on the condition. 


Causes of peripheral neuropathy


Some medical health conditions might be the main cause of peripheral neuropathy. These might be;


  • Diabetes: diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. People who have diabetes are prone to develop peripheral neuropathy of some kind.  

  • Viral or bacterial infections: Infections such as Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV might also be the cause of peripheral neuropathy.


Some other diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders and hypothyroidism might also be the cause of peripheral neuropathy. 


Other factors such as alcoholism, poor diet, exposure to toxins such as lead and vitamin deficiency of  B vitamins(including B-1, B-6 and B-12) and vitamin E and niacin are quite important to maintain nerve health.


Therefore, if you are experiencing any kind of muscle weakness or numbness in your hands and feet then it is recommended to acknowledge the condition by visiting the best neurologist in South Delhi.

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