Peripheral Neuropathy: Part 2 - What are its symptoms and is treatment available?

Last week, we learned that Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) affects the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that transmits information from th
e central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. It was noted that PN is not a single disease, but is a condition with over 100 causes in which transmission of information from peripheral nerves is disrupted. Today we'll look at the specific symptoms of PN and discuss its diagnosis and treatment.

What are the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy? Symptoms of PN vary depending on the type of peripheral nerve (sensory, motor, or autonomic) affected. Although some neuropathies may affect all three types of nerves, others primarily affect one or two types.

Most commonly, PN affects sensory nerves. These are the nerves that are responsible for the sense of touch. Detecting heat, pain, cold, and position sense are all functions of sensory nerves. Sensory nerve involvement typically begins with the gradual onset of numbness and tingling in the feet or hands, a symptom known as "paresthesias". This sensation frequently occurs in a "stocking" or "glove" distribution, affecting the entire foot or hand. In more severe cases, burning or shock-like pain may develop. Sensory nerve involvement resulting in the inability to detect pain is a particularly serious problem for people with diabetes, contributing to a high rate of lower limb amputations from infections and burns. When PN affects sensory nerves in the feet, people may have loss of position sense making walking or maintaining their balance difficult.

Autonomic neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the nerves that manage unconscious body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, bowel and bladder function, and digestion. Symptoms of PN affecting autonomic nerves vary, depending on which organ or system of the body is involved. Constipation, diarrhea, nausea after eating, and bloating may develop when PN affects the gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms that occur with autonomic PN include the inability to sweat normally leading to heat intolerance, loss of bladder control, and the inability to maintain safe blood pressure levels which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.

Motor neuropathy symptoms may include muscle weakness, cramps, muscle twitching, and loss of muscle mass. In an acute type of motor neuropathy, called Guillain-Barré syndrome, severe weakness starting in the legs spreads upward sometimes causing total body paralysis.

How is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed? Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is often difficult because the symptoms are highly variable and the list of potential causes is lengthy. There is no specific test available to make the diagnosis of PN. A history of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, as well as learning about family history, dietary issues, work environment, alcohol use, risk of HIV or other infections can provide important clues to the underlying cause. Blood tests can help with the detection of diabetes, infections, immune system disease, vitamin deficiencies, and kidney disease, all of which can lead to the development of PN. Additional testing such as MRI scanning, nerve conduction studies (NCV), and tests of muscle activity (EMG) may be required if the information found from history, physical and blood testing are inconclusive.

Is there treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy? Treatment is most effective when an underlying cause for the PN is found. For example, if the peripheral nerve damage is found to be related to a vitamin deficiency, supplying that vitamin will often stop or reverse the process. Likewise, PN due to toxins or medications can be corrected by avoiding further exposure to the offending agent. With diabetes-related PN, appropriate treatment measures and careful monitoring to keep blood sugars in an optimal range has been shown to improve symptoms and slow progression of the neuropathy. Surgery may even be the most appropriate treatment, as with PN from carpal tunnel syndrome that has not responded to conservative measures.

Nerve-related pain is a particularly common problem in the sensory type of PN. When over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective, prescription medications including (Neurontin®), mexiletine (Mexitil®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and amitriptyline (Elavil®) may be of benefit. In more severe cases, anesthetic nerve blocks may be used to block the source of the nerve pain.

When PN primarily affects motor nerves, hand or foot braces, specialized exercise programs, and physical therapy are used to help with muscle weakness.

Treatment of autonomic neuropathy hinges on its symptoms and organs affected. Overactive bladder is a common symptom when autonomic nerves controlling bladder function are affected. Medications including tolterodine (Detrol) and oxybutynin (Ditropan XL) will help with this urinary tract complaint. Other treatments are available if the neuropathy concerns other autonomic functions such as blood pressure, digestion, or sweating.

Even though most cases of PN cannot be cured, there is usually some treatment available that will help with its symptoms. The best results, however, occur with early diagnosis and treatment since peripheral nerves have a limited capacity for regeneration.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Part 1 - What is the Peripheral Nervous System and what is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common, yet least well known, chronic conditions in the U.S., affecting over 20 million people. PN is not a single disease, but is a group of over 100 disorders that occur due to various conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system.

What is the Peripheral Nervous System? The nervous system is made up of two main parts, the central nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. Peripheral nerves extend from the central nervous system to supply nerve function to the muscles, skin, and internal organs. There are three types of peripheral nerves -1) sensory nerves that sense heat, pain or touch, 2) motor nerves that control muscle activity, and 3) autonomic nerves that control functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

What is peripheral neuropathy? Loosely translated, "neuropathy" means disease affecting nerves. In the case of PN, peripheral nerves become damaged or diseased and are unable to communicate messages between the central nervous system and the portion of the body that they supply. Any of the three types of peripheral nerves - sensory, motor, and autonomic - can be affected by PN. Some of the more common manifestations of PN include: pain, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, problems affecting bowel or bladder function, and muscle weakness.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy? There are many causes of PN, but in up to a third of cases, an underlying cause is never found. These cases are known as "idiopathic". Another third of cases of PN are caused by complications from diabetes. Diabetes causes damage to peripheral nerves as a result of long-standing elevated blood sugar levels. Up to one half of diabetics will eventually develop some type of peripheral neuropathy. The remainder of cases of PN occurs from a variety of causes including:

• Injuries - Fractures, frostbite, or pressure from ill-fitting casts that also damage nearby peripheral nerves.
• Chronic kidney failure - Due to failure of elimination of toxins from the body (uremia)
• Infections - Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS
• Nutritional deficiencies - B vitamins (B-1, B-6 and B-12), Vitamin E, and niacin are important in nerve health.
• Autoimmune disease - Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Alcoholism - From the effect of alcohol directly, as well as to associated nutritional deficiencies
• Toxins and medications - Heavy metals, such as mercury, and cancer chemotherapy
• Tumors - Both benign and malignant, usually from pressure on peripheral nerves.
• Nerve compression - "Tunnel Syndromes" including carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and thoracic outlet syndromes.

As we look further into Peripheral Neuropathy in next week's Health Tip, it is important to remember that PN is not a disease itself, but is a manifestation of damage to peripheral nerves that can occur from a variety of causes.

Dodging Restaurant "Calorie-Bombs"

A restaurant dining survey performed by the market research group, LivingSocial, found that the average American eats out on 4.8 occasions each week. Nearly half of these respondents described themselves as "meat lovers," 22 percent said that they had a "sweet tooth," and 19 percent were self-described "fast food junkies". With the common tendency that many of us have to overdo it or splurge when it comes to eating, we need to be especially careful when eating in restaurants. While restaurants happily cater to our "guilty pleasures", they are often less concerned about our waistlines and general health. The following are several "traps" that we can allow ourselves to become ensnared in when eating out.

1. Beware the starters. Eating bread or tortilla chips while waiting for your food to arrive can add hundreds of calories to your meal. Sensible options are to ask the server to bring these items after your meal arrives, or take a piece of bread or a handful of chips and ask the waiter to remove them from the table. Don't forget also that each tablespoon of butter spread on bread adds up to 100 calories.
   
2. Calorie-dense side dishes. French fries or onion rings are often an automatic choice when the server asks for a choice of side dishes. As compared to a baked potato, however, two-ounces of French fries pack a hefty 174 calories while the same amount of baked potato has around 52. A baked potato can be a sensible alternative, but adding sour cream, cheese, or butter can turn this very reasonable side dish into a calorie bomb! Instead of French fries, onion rings, or potatoes smothered in butter or gravy, consider lower fat sides like tossed salad, vegetables, or broth-based soup.
   
3. "Hidden calories" in beverages. Can you imagine eating 8 to 9 teaspoons of sugar? That's the amount contained in 12 ounces of most soft drinks. When sugar is dissolved in soft drinks, however, it becomes much more palatable, as well as being dangerous to our waistlines. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories, too. The caloric content of most beer is in the 100 to 160 range for 12 ounces. By drinking water, unsweetened tea, or diet beverages these hidden calories can be avoided.
   
4. All salads are not created equally. Salads can be a healthy choice, but those with high fat dressings, fried chicken tenders on top, or cheese and bacon bits can be just as calorie dense as the meal. When eating out always order the dressing on the side. While olive oil/vinegar based dressings do contain fat and calories, they are generally healthier than creamy dressings.
   
5. Portion size out of control. Over the years, the restaurant industry has increased the size of portions to coincide with the increasing American appetite. Just look at the options to "supersize" meals at many fast-food restaurants for just pennies more. One restaurant chain offers a twenty-four ounce steak which is the amount that most dieticians would recommended for six people! Ask the server beforehand about portion size. If possible share an entrée or plan to take some of the meal home for a second meal. And at all costs, avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants that simply encourage gluttony.
   
6. "Meal-killer" desserts. A sensible meal can be turned into a calorie-fest based on what and how much we choose to eat for dessert. Most large desserts contain between 500 and 1,000 calories. Worse yet is the Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory which contains 1,540 calories and 59 grams saturated fat. Usually a post-meal sweet-tooth can be satisfied with a bite or two of a dessert shared among several people. Or, choose a lower calorie option like fresh fruit or a scoop of sorbet.

Everyone splurges from time to time, and an occasional indulgence is nothing to be ashamed of. But with more and more people eating out, along with the calorie-packed dishes that are typical on restaurant menus, it makes sense to be careful about what you order. Calories and weight gain are only part of the concern. The same foods that contribute to waistline expansion often contain higher amounts of sodium and saturated fat, both of which can contribute to heart disease and stroke.