The human nervous system has a complex and yet subtle structure. It is easily exposed to various kinds of factors, both internal and external origin. As a result, damage to nerves of a non-inflammatory nature often occurs. In medicine, this disease is called "neuropathy." Symptoms of the disease, depending on the form of pathology, can be very diverse. The clinical picture is determined by both the nature of the nerve damage and their location.
In medicine, there are three forms of the disease: toxic, diabetic, post-traumatic.
Neuropathy. Causes
The post-traumatic form occurs as a result of a bruise, fracture or cut. If even the nerve was not damaged by direct exposure, then edema, scars formed during the healing of the wound, and other neoplasms can squeeze it. Thus, post-traumatic neuropathy occurs. The toxic form of the disease manifests itself in various types of poisoning. Nerve damage can occur during intoxication with chemicals (lead, alcohol, arsenic), with infectious diseases (HIV, diphtheria, hermetic infection) or with the illiteracy of certain medications. The next, most common form of the disease is diagnosed in people suffering from diabetes. This disease affects small vessels, including those that are responsible for supplying nerve endings with blood. As a result, diabetic neuropathy occurs. Symptoms of this disease are associated with a decrease in sensitivity in damaged areas.
The disease affects mainly the lower limbs.
Symptoms
Patients diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy experience numbness or slight tingling in the area of the damaged nerve. Possible loss of sensitivity of the fingers or toes, thighs, lower leg, buttocks. In some cases, the functioning of the genitourinary system or digestive system is disrupted. Post-traumatic neuropathy, the symptoms of which are associated with damage to the radial, sciatic or ulnar nerves, is characterized by the development of muscle atrophy. At the same time, their contractility is impaired, reflexes and sensitivity to pain stimuli are reduced. Partial loss of sensation in the hands and feet, tingling and burning of the skin, hyperemia of the extremities - all these are signs of another form of the disease called "toxic neuropathy."
Symptoms of the disease at later stages are characterized by the formation of tissue edema, mainly of the lower extremities.
How to treat neuropathy?
With the diabetic form of the disease, special attention must be paid to getting rid of the underlying ailment. Only then can one begin to treat damaged nerves. For these purposes, an experienced doctor prescribes pain medication, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. It is also necessary to take vitamin B complexes. A beneficial effect on the nervous system is provided by baths with healing mineral water, physiotherapy, physical education and other rehabilitation measures.