Peripheral neuropathy is a group of conditions marked by decreased or reduced ability to get or send nerve impulses to the limbs. It can affect your legs, feet, hands, arms, or fingers. It often affects elderly people, and it is more common in women than in men.
The term “peripheral” refers to the fact that these nerve fibres travel outside the brain and cerebellum, the region of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions. That is why people with peripheral neuropathy often have problems with movement and balance, as well as with sensory perception.
The term “nerve” usually refers to a bundle of fibres that runs through your body and controls various body functions, including the ability to walk, talk, and feel pain.
Spinal Cord Neuropathy
Spinal cord neuropathy is the result of abnormal growth of the spinal cord. It can result from an infection, cancer, a viral infection, or a misalignment of the vertebrae in your back. It is usually a slow-growing condition, although it can spread quickly. Spinal cord neuropathy often has no cure, and there is no treatment that can slow or reverse its progression. However, there are some medications like Nervogen Pro that can help with the pain and spasms caused by spinal cord neuropathy.
Terminal Neuropathy
Terminal neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves that supply your muscles, organs, or glands. The nerves that supply your muscles, organs, and glands are called mesencephalic (mesencephalon) nerves. A percentage of people with neuropathy have also shown a genetic link to the condition. As your muscles relax and your organs start to function properly again, the spasms begin. Eventually, the spasms become so intense that they are no longer limited to one part of your body; they spread throughout your body. This condition is often accompanied by an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and restlessness.
Feeling Immobile or Having Trouble with Movement
When your muscles get used to being nourished by blood, they stop feeling pain. You might experience “costal” numbness or “limbic” numbness. These are different types of peripheral neuropathy, and they are discussed in greater detail below.
Costal neuropathy is also called Mediterranean neuropathy and it affects the hands and fingers. It is caused by exposure to high levels of sea salt, which can be found in some areas of the Mediterranean. Limbic neuropathy affects the nervous system in your brain and spinal cord. It is also called cerebral or Dent’s disease. This is the most common form of neuropathy and is also discussed in greater detail below.
Tingling and numbness in your legs, feet, hands, or arms
Numbness and tingling in your legs, feet, hands, or arms is a common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It may also be observed in the fingers and toes. The sensation is thought to be related to nerve damage. Some of the causes of numbness and tingling are inflammation, infection, diabetes, tumors, surgery, trauma, and medications.
What Are the Different Types of Peripheral Neuropathy?
There are 4 main types of peripheral neuropathy:
Spinal cord neuropathy — also known as spinal cord disease or multiple sclerosis
Costal neuropathy — mainly affecting the hands and feet
Limbic neuropathy — mainly affects the tongue, face, and jaw
Gram-negative infection — a common cause of leg and foot pain
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Type of Peripheral Neuropathy
The term “carpal tunnel” usually refers to a condition in which the tunnel formed by the bones of the wrists and hands is narrow. However, people with a variety of conditions can develop a narrow tunnel, including people with diabetes and another type of neuropathy.
This condition is also called carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms are usually mild, consisting of sharp, stabbing pains shooting from the wrist into the hands. The pain can be dull or aching, and it is often accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the hands.
The condition is more common during pregnancy, childhood, and in people over 50. It may also occur in people with heart disease or an inherited metabolic disorder.
The Diabetic Peripheral Nerve Disease Type of Peripheral Neuropathy
This type of neuropathy is characterized by a sharp and stabbing pain that starts in the hands and feet and migrates to the abdomen, groin, or back. Numbness and tingling are common. This is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy, affecting one in 10 people. It often starts in youth, is related to diabetes, and is often permanent.
The Exceptions to the Rule: Sympathetic Neuropathies and Generalized Peripheral Neuropathies
The sympathetic nervous system is the “fight or flight” system in the body. It is responsible for energy production, rapid movement, and high intensity of pain. The parasympathetic nervous system is the “relax and forget” system. It is responsible for reducing activity, maintaining normal body functions, and generating little pain. There are about 80 000 Sympathetic and about 3 000 Parasympathetic in the body. Most of them are located in the thoracic region, but a small number are in the lumbar and sacral regions. These types of neuropathies are often referred to as “parasympathetic,” but they are actually related to the sympathetic nervous system. The exceptions are the branched-off “parasympathetic” nerves that branch off the cranial nerve to the plexus and perform different functions.
The Conclusion
Peripheral neuropathy affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. The types and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be confusing, especially since they often occur together. The key to understanding and treating peripheral neuropathy is to keep in mind that each type of neuropathy is a result of specific diseases and conditions, so if you have one type, you have others.
In addition, people with central neuropathies often experience relief when they address the pain issues associated with peripheral neuropathies. These may include back or leg massage, the elevation of the legs, leg crunches, or simply walking in a straight line.
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