Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
The causes may include; (4)
Facial palsy
Facial palsy is a condition that results in an inability to move the facial muscles. This can cause problems with facial expressions, speaking, and eating. The cause of facial palsy can be due to a number of factors, such as a stroke, brain tumor, or birth injury. It can also be caused by a peripheral neuropathy, which is a problem with the nerves that control the muscles. Treatment for facial palsy will vary depending on the underlying cause. Some people with this condition may need surgical intervention while others may only need physical therapy or speech therapy.
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the 7th cranial nerve, also known as the facial nerve. The condition causes muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. It can also affect the eyes and cause problems with tears and saliva production. Bell’s palsy typically resolves within a few weeks or months, but in some cases it can be a permanent condition. There is no known cure for Bell’s palsy, but treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and promote healing.
Ulnar nerve palsy
Ulnar nerve palsy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the ulnar nerve. This type of neuropathy can cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The ulnar nerve is a long nerve that travels from the shoulder down the arm to the hand. It controls movement and feeling in the hand and fingers, as well as some muscles in the arm.
Radial nerve palsy
Radial nerve palsy affects the radial nerve, one of the three main nerves in the arm. The radial nerve provides sensation and movement to the back of the hand, wrist, and forearm. When it is damaged, patients may experience numbness or weakness in these areas. Radial nerve palsy can be caused by injury, such as a broken bone near the elbow, or by conditions like diabetes or stroke. Treatment depends on the specific underlying cause of the nerve damage, but may include exercises to improve strength and range of motion, braces or splints to support the arm, or surgery.
Sciatica
Sciatica causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs. This is because the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, can become irritated or compressed. When this happens, it can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
There are many different causes of peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes, alcohol abuse, infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxins. But one of the most common causes is damage to the nerves due to compression or irritation. This is what can happen when someone has sciatica.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common, painful, and potentially disabling condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The main symptoms (complaints) are numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. CTS can also cause pain in the hand and wrist, weakness in the hand, difficulty gripping things, and problems with dexterity.
Most cases of CTS are due to compression of the median nerve by a structure called the carpal ligament. This ligament runs from the underside of the wrist bone (the carpus) to the bones that form the base of the palm. When it tightens or swells due to inflammation, it puts pressure on the median nerve.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. It affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other problems in your feet and hands.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a rare, systemic autoimmune disease that results in the formation of small lumps called granulomas. These granulomas can form anywhere in the body, but are most commonly found in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. Sarcoidosis can cause a wide variety of symptoms, depending on which organs are affected. The most common symptoms include fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and weight loss. In some cases, sarcoidosis can also cause peripheral neuropathy-a condition that results in nerve damage and affects sensation and movement. Although the cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, it is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease develops secondary to an infection caused by the bacterium Borelli burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Lyme disease can cause multiple symptoms, including fever, headache, and fatigue. A characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans is the hallmark symptom. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of Lyme disease. It can cause numbness in the hands and feet, as well as muscle weakness and pain. Some people with peripheral neuropathy also experience problems with balance and coordination. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy typically includes antibiotics to treat the underlying infection as well as medications to help improve nerve function.
Guillain-Barre’ syndrome
It is a rare disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves control the muscles and sensory organs in the body. GBS can cause muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms and legs. In some cases, it can also lead to paralysis. The cause of GBS is unknown, but it may be triggered by a viral infection or surgery. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and plasma exchange therapy. Most people with GBS recover fully, but some may experience long-term nerve damage.
Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection that affects the nerves. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Herpes zoster often leads to peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the areas affected by the virus. Herpes zoster can also cause other complications, such as eye problems and skin lesions. Treatment for herpes zoster includes antiviral medications and pain relief.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that is mainly found in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells and for the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates. It also helps to keep the nervous system healthy. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder that causes tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, as well as problems with balance and coordination.
People at risk for B12 deficiency include vegans, people who have had gastric bypass surgery, and people who take certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors. Symptoms of B12 deficiency can be treated with supplements or injections.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism can cause peripheral neuropathy by damaging the nerves. The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by alcoholism are numbness and tingling in the extremities. You may also experience pain, burning sensations, or weakness in these areas. If you are experiencing or going through these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Left untreated, peripheral neuropathy caused by alcoholism can lead to permanent damage to the nerves.
Injection neuropathy
Injection neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that is caused by the injection of substances into the body. The most common substances that cause injection neuropathy are drugs and vaccines. Injection neuropathy can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and paralysis. The symptoms of injection neuropathy can vary depending on the substance that was injected and the location of the injection.
Certain medications
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics, and medications for high blood pressure or heart problems. If you are taking any of these medications and start to notice symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, be sure to talk to your physician.
Certain medications can lower your risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. For example, if you are taking chemotherapy drugs, ask your doctor about ways to reduce your exposure to these drugs.