Neuropathic pain symptoms can happen when one or more nerves are damaged in the body. This is called peripheral neuropathy and can be caused by a variety of conditions or diseases, such as cancer or HIV infection, or it can occur because of damage to the brain and spinal cord.
Causes and Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
There are many causes of neuropathic pain, which can include injury, disease, and the loss of a limb. Some of these are serious, such as amputation, while others are not so dangerous, like diabetes.
Symptoms and Treatment
The most common neuropathic pain symptoms are burning or tingling sensations, sensitivity to touch and temperature changes, and loss of feeling in the hands or feet. You may also have trouble balancing and coordination. This is because the sensory nerves that send information to your brain aren’t working properly, and you can’t feel what’s happening around you.
Other symptoms can be a result of muscle weakness and paralysis, which are caused by the deterioration of the nerves that control your muscles. You may have difficulty moving your toes, foot drop and hand weakness, and this can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as putting on shoes or buttoning clothing.
Your doctor will want to know about any other health problems you have, such as diabetes or a heart condition, and your diet, exercise, and habits. They will also do a physical and neurological exam to assess the extent of the nerve damage.
Medications and Vitamins
Some medications, especially those used for cancer treatment (chemotherapy), can cause peripheral neuropathy. Other drugs, such as antibiotics and antidepressants, can trigger neuropathic pain as well. Some other medical conditions can lead to peripheral neuropathy, such as glaucoma and certain types of infections, including leprosy or Hansen’s disease.
Injuries and Surgery
A number of injuries can cause peripheral neuropathy, such as sprains or strains to the nerves in the arms, legs, neck and back. These can be the result of trauma or from medical procedures, such as having a hip replacement.
Vascular disorders, which affect circulation in the arteries and veins, can also cause peripheral neuropathy. These can be harmless, like when an arm or leg falls asleep, but they can also be serious and can lead to permanent nerve damage.
The most important part of the treatment is finding out what’s causing your neuropathy, and addressing that issue. Your doctor will use a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, neuromodulation, or surgery to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve or Motrin, can sometimes help. But if you have chronic neuropathy, they might not reduce your symptoms as much as other pain treatments.
Other medicines, such as antidepressants or anti-seizure medications, might also work to reduce your neuropathic pain and symptoms. They can also reduce your stress and anxiety, which can help ease your symptoms.
Some people may require physical therapy to learn how to manage their neuropathic pain and other symptoms. Often, these treatments involve rehabilitative exercises that strengthen muscles and improve balance. Your doctor may also prescribe splints, braces or other devices to help you walk and move.
