Basics of Peripheral Neuropathy for patients

1. Peripheral Neuropathy
A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS –
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2. What is peripheral neuropathy?
Word Definitions
• Peripheral: related to, located in, or constituting an outer
boundary or periphery
• Neuropathy: disease or dysfunction of the nerves
Hence, Peripheral Neuropathy is hence disease or dysfunction of the
peripheral nerves. By peripheral we mean the nerves which are
closest to the outer skin i.e. in hands or feet of the patient

3. What are the causes of peripheral
neuropathy?
Diseases: Diabetes, Auto Immune diseases,
infections, tumors can be causes
Lifestyle and others: Alcoholism, Medication side
effects, exposure to poisons

4. Symptoms of Neuropathy
For sensory nerves (nerves that control sensations in the body)
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Sharp, jabbing or burning pain
• Extreme sensitivity to pain
• Lack of co-ordination
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
For autonomic nerves (nerves that control bodily functions)
• Heat intolerance and altered sweating
• Bowel, bladder or digestive problems
• Changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness

5. Risk Factors
• Diabetes mellitus, especially if sugar levels are poorly controlled
• Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins
• Alcohol abuse
• Infections, such as Lyme disease, shingles and HIV
• Autoimmune diseases
• Family history
• Kidney, liver or thyroid disorders
• Exposure to toxins

6. What to do before meeting a doctor
Make a list of your symptoms
Make a list of your medications
Make a list of questions for your doctor. Examples
oWhat could be the likely cause? What tests would I need?
oAre there other possible causes?
oWhat treatments are available and which one would you recommend?
oAre there other alternatives?
oHow can we best manage this with my pre-existing conditions?

7. What you can do right now to help your
neuropathy
 Take especially good care of your feet. Watch out
for injuries, cuts or calluses
 Get started with easy or moderate exercise
 Quit smoking
 Reduce consumption of alcohol

8. Take charge of your Neuropathy
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