The nervous system is the body’s control center; it controls all body processes. Within the system are nerve cells, which are the basic functional units of the nervous system. The nerve cells relay messages from and to the brain and if there’s something wrong in these cells, the body can go into chaos.
Neuropathy is a condition resulting from damage to the nerves of the body, whether it may be inside the brain and spinal cord or outside. The good thing is, neuropathy treatment in Layton, Utah is available to manage the condition. Here’s what you need to know about it:
The Causes of Neuropathy
Neuropathy or nerve damage can result from a wide array of conditions, including treatments such as chemotherapy and diabetes. There are many causes of nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar levels account for about 60% of all cases. Other causes include HIV, kidney disease, shingles, chemotherapy, infections, autoimmune conditions, nutrient deficiencies, alcoholism, and physical trauma, among others.
The Signs And Symptoms
The condition often causes pain, weakness, and numbness, which can affect one’s ability to move and perform daily activities. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of neuropathy that causes many signs and symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the extremities, pain or cramping, loss of reflexes, sensitivity to temperature or touch, clumsiness, muscle wasting, loss of balance, dizziness, and weakness.
All these signs and symptoms are warning signs of the condition. It’s important to detect the signs early for proper treatment to be initiated before the condition worsens.
The Risk Factors of Neuropathy
Some people are at a higher risk of developing neuropathy. They include older adults, those with a family history of neuropathy or familial diabetes, malnourished individuals, those who excessively drink alcohol, those with a preexisting medical condition such as thyroid disease or diabetes, and those undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
The Treatment
The most common treatment for neuropathy are medications to relieve pain and improve sleep. Usually, non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, paracetamol, and mefenamic acid. For neuropathies caused by diabetes, it’s important to keep blood sugar levels at bay and to modify one’s lifestyle practices to attain overall wellness.
The Complications of Neuropathy
Neuropathy, if left untreated, can lead to a number of complications. For instance, the lack of sensation or feeling in a certain part of the body can injure the body. It can later lead to severe wounds since the person can’t feel pain in the area. Worse, if the location develops ulcerations and infection. Also, without feeling and ability for sensation, the patient might develop depression. It’s important to provide social support to anyone who has a medical condition. This way, they can find the means to seek medical treatment.
Neuropathy is a serious condition. It’s important to control one’s sugar levels to prevent the development of neuropathy. Also, it’s vital to take care of the nervous system, since just a small problem, it can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.
