Peripheral Neuropathy: Causes You May Not Know About

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Neuropathy can be caused by many things, including diabetes, injuries, infections, and certain medications. However, there are also some lesser-known causes of this condition. For example, Lyme disease, which is caused by a tick bite, can lead to neuropathy. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause damage to the nerves. In some cases, neuropathy may be caused by an underlying vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies have been linked to neuropathy. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, such as numbness, pain, or weakness in the arms or legs, it is important to see a doctor so that the cause can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Because up to 70% of people with diabetes experience some form of nerve injury, peripheral neuropathy is frequently only linked to diabetes. Here are a few examples of other conditions that might result in nerve injury:

A physical injury

You might also harm a nerve in the area if you hurt yourself—say, break a bone.

Deficits in vitamins

B12 and vitamin D are essential for the health of your nerves, so if you don’t get enough of them, you run the danger of suffering from nerve damage.

Infections

Infections like chickenpox, shingles, west Nile virus, Lyme disease, and HIV/AIDS can harm your nerves.

Chemotherapy

Peripheral neuropathy happens in about 30–40% of chemotherapy patients.

Alcoholism

Drinking excessively over time can harm peripheral nerves because alcohol is poisonous to nerve cells.

Immune system diseases

Several autoimmune diseases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, can harm the nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor. While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can live a normal life despite having this condition.

The neurologists at THE BRAIN CENTER are specially trained in the care and treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy. To learn more information about how our neurology team can help with your diagnosis and treatment, call us at our office at: (786) 565-8735