The peripheral nerves form a complex network that connects the brain and spinal cord with the muscles, skin, internal organs, and the central nervous system, transmitting information. When peripheral nerves are damaged and the transmission of said information is disrupted, this is called peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy can be either acquired or hereditary.
Symptomatic acquired neuropathy is a result of another condition or disorder such as:
Meanwhile, idiopathic acquired neuropathy has no known cause.
Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) belongs to the group of hereditary disorders of the peripheral nervous system.
Damage to motor nerves causes muscle weakness, cramps, or muscle twitching.
Damage to sensory nerves causes disturbances in touch, especially in the hands and feet; the person may feel as if they are wearing gloves or socks when in fact they are not. There may be difficulty coordinating movements (e.g., walking, buttoning clothes) and maintaining balance with closed eyes. Pain may also occur in situations where it is not expected, such as when bedding touches the hands or feet.
Damage to the autonomic nervous system may cause excessive sweating, heat intolerance, erectile dysfunction, urinary disturbances, and bowel problems.
Diagnosis is often difficult due to the wide range of symptoms. A detailed medical history is important, including symptoms, working conditions, alcohol use, lifestyle, exposure to infections, coexistence of other diseases such as diabetes, and family history of neurological problems.
The following are performed:
Treatment depends on the type of nerve damage and the symptoms.
Medication may include pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids when other medications fail to relieve the patient, anticonvulsants that suppress the electrical signals of nerve cells, antidepressants that interfere with the chemical processes in the brain and spinal cord that cause pain and topical treatments such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches.
For peripheral neuropathy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may also be used, where low-frequency currents stimulate sensory nerve fibers to relieve pain. Physiotherapy may be recommended for muscle weakness, and acupuncture, as an alternative method, can help reduce symptoms after several sessions. Finally, when peripheral neuropathy is caused by pressure on nerve roots—such as from tumors or spinal stenosis—surgery may be recommended to relieve symptoms.
In any case, it is important to remember that each situation is treated individually. The Scientific Team at the Therapia Specialists Pain & Personal Care Unit, staffed by experienced anesthesiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, and alternative therapists, will assess the data gathered and propose a personalized approach to pain management.
