UNDERSTANDING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

The name of the condition actually tells you what it is. Peripheral means beyond as in beyond the brain and spinal cord. Nero, is related to nerves and pathy as in disease. Such concepts fused together provide the meaning of peripheral neuropathy. That is, the conditional result occurs when nerves that connect to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body are damaged or diseased.

Indeed, the peripheral nerves are part of an overall network that connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin and internal organs. Damage to these nerves deteriorates or rather interrupts communication between the brain and extremities of our body. As such, can impair muscle movement, prevent normal sensation (feeling) in the arms, legs and further extremities of the body such as toes and fingers. This condition can perhaps cause pain, numbness and overall sensation of soreness.

Peripheral Neuropathy can occur due to traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic issues such as heart disease and exposure to toxins. In addition, two of the most common causes of neuropathy are diabetes and obesity. Indeed, conditions that can be reversed with proper diet and exercise. Remember, neuropathy is always anecdotal. It is always result of something else as in stroke and/or heart attack.

Those affected by peripheral neuropathy can experience pain such as stabbing, burning, tingling or numbness. Such conditions can be treated with medicines and/or weight loss.

Additional health conditions that are perhaps causal in terms of nerve damage and lead to peripheral neuropathy:

1. Autoimmune diseases-such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancers and its treatments thereof.
2. Diabetes-the most common cause.
3. Infections-shingles, HIV, Lyme disease, viral and bacterial infections.
4. Kidney or liver disease.
5. Alcoholism and drug addictions.
6. Medicines-such as chemotherapy.
7. Back injuries.
8. Low vitamin levels-B vitamins, copper and vitamin E are essential for nerve health.

Such is the complexity of the nervous system, to the rest of the body through motor nerves. Moreover the peripheral nerves send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves. Hence the delicacy of our body motor function. Perhaps this information will help clarify the interaction of our nervous system and our overall body health.

DIAGRAM OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Notice the peripheral nervous system. Any damage to the delivery system to the outer extremities can be detrimental to motor function. Such as the persons’ walking gait and ability to feel any infections penetrating the foot.