Peripheral neuropathy is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects the peripheral nervous system. This system is responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. When the peripheral nerves become damaged or dysfunctional, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and complications. Here we’ll discuss causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by several different conditions, including: 1,2
Autoimmune diseases, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barré syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis
Traumatic injuries
Infections, such as Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis B and C, and HIV
Metabolic problems, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism
Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals and certain medications
Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B-12
Alcohol misuse
Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S., with over 50% of diabetic individuals developing some form of nerve damage.2,3 Managing diabetes and other conditions, healthy eating, and exercise can help prevent peripheral neuropathy and reduce symptoms for those who already have it.3
In some cases, no cause can be identified. This is called idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.1
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning, or tingling. Other common symptoms include:1,4
Weakness or loss of coordination
Sensitivity to touch or temperature
Digestive problems, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
Bladder or bowel dysfunction
Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy
The first step toward diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is to receive a comprehensive physical exam from your doctor. Your doctor will inquire about any past or present medical conditions, symptoms, lifestyle, type of employment, and family history of neurological disorders. Additional tests may include:2,3
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyography
Blood tests
Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans
Treatment Options for Peripheral Neuropathy
It’s important to note that the specific treatment plan for peripheral neuropathy will depend on the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy and the individual's symptoms. Some common treatment options include:1,2,3,4,5
Medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can alleviate mild pain and discomfort. Prescription medications, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, may be used to manage more severe pain.
Physical and occupational therapy: These therapies use focused exercises, routines, massage, and other treatments to enhance coordination, posture, strength, and functional changes brought on by nerve damage.
Immunosuppressive treatments: If peripheral neuropathy results from autoimmune issues, treatments may include oral medications, IV infusion treatments, or plasmapheresis (a procedure that removes and cleanses a portion of the blood).
Immunoglobulin (IG): IG is the treatment of choice for many autoimmune neuropathic disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). IG is preferred because the adverse reactions are milder and fewer than other immune-modulating methods such as steroids, other immunosuppressants like azathioprine, and plasmapheresis.
It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Early diagnosis and proper management of peripheral neuropathy can help prevent further nerve damage and improve your quality of life.
How BioMatrix Can Help
BioMatrix helps manage the individual needs of patients requiring IG therapy. As a specialty infusion pharmacy, our clinical teams have extensive training and experience in rare diseases, infusion therapies, and complex medical conditions. Knowledgeable pharmacists and care coordination staff guide each patient through the potential medication side effects and, working with the prescribing physician, help manage treatment to reduce the prevalence and severity of relapses.
We also administer in-home treatment to provide a more comfortable and convenient infusion experience. The result is safe, consistent, and compassionate treatment for our patients with nursing needs. Where appropriate, our in-home nursing team trains patients to administer their own injectable or infusible drugs, fostering more independence. After the home visit and administration, our nurses also guide patients on continuing with their therapy, help minimize or manage side effects, and answer questions that patients may have throughout their treatment plan.
Learn more about our individualized specialty pharmacy services for patients with peripheral neuropathy and other neurological conditions.
Financial Resource Guide
Living with a chronic condition can create additional healthcare costs while also impeding one’s ability to work. Our financial resource guide can help.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider or as legal advice. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here or on our website.
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References
Peripheral neuropathy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 2). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
10 treatment options for peripheral neuropathy. (n.d.). Pain Medicine Located in Scottsdale, Mesa and Phoenix, AZ | Integrated Pain Consultants.
Peripheral neuropathy. (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathyhttps://www.azipc.com/post/10-treatment-options-for-peripheral-neuropathy
Treatment. (2019, July 1). Stanford Health Care. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/peripheral-neuropathy/treatment.html
Kim, N. H., & Park, K. S. (n.d.). Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in peripheral neuropathy. https://www.e-acn.org/journal/view.php?number=246
