Various Causes Of Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy is also caused by diabetic hyperglycemia. It can be either acquired or inherited. In view of this, the causes of peripheral neuropathy can also be subdivided into the causes of acquired peripheral neuropathy and those of inherited peripheral neuropathy. Acquired peripheral neuropathy can further be subdivided into peripheral neuropathy caused by systemic disease, that is caused by trauma from external agents, and that caused by immune disorders or infections affecting nerve tissue. Trigeminal or tic douleroux is a type of acquired peripheral neuropathy. In this neuropathy, damage occurs to the trigeminal nerve. The nerve is situated in the face and head. Sometimes, the cause of trigeminal neuralgia is an earlier viral infection that causes swelling of a blood vessel or pressure on the nerve from a tumor. It causes incidents of lightening bursts of pain on one side of the face. On other occasions, a specific cause of peripheral neuropathy cannot be identified. Neuropathy with unknown cause is known as idiopathic neuropathy. Sometimes, sports-related injuries can cause nerves to be completely or partially severed, compressed, crushed, or stretched. Sometimes, dislocated or broken bones can cause pressure on adjacent nerves. Slipped disks can also compress nerve fibers at locations where they emerge from the spinal cord. Systemic diseases form one of the other causes of peripheral neuropathy. They are disorders that affect the entire body. They can include endocrine and metabolic disorders. Some of these diseases can weaken nerve tissues. This can occur if the body's ability to process waste products, convert nutrients into energy, or manufacture substances that generate living tissue is impaired. Alcoholism and deficiency of vitamins can also cause nerve damage that is characteristic of peripheral neuropathy. Thiamine deficiency especially causes such nerve damage. Alcoholism itself can contribute towards a condition known as alcoholic neuropathy. Nerve damage can also be caused due to decreased oxygen supply to peripheral nerves. The decreased oxygen supply in turn can be caused due to diseases of the blood and also because of damage to blood vessels. Nerve tissues may die in case the oxygen supplied to them falls below a certain level. Factors that contribute towards various different causes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy include autoimmune destruction of unmyelinated nerves in a cutaneous and visceral distribution. They also include vascular insufficiency, metabolism related issues, and trophism (loss of growth). The main causes are degeneration of nerve fibers and blood vessel disorders. The treatment for peripheral neuropathy involves besides medication, a physical and occupational therapy program that works towards the rehabilitation of patients. Recreational therapy that helps elderly patients participate in community activities is an important part of the overall envisaged treatments for peripheral neuropathy. Speech therapy (as part of peripheral neuropathy treatments) assumes importance in case patients are affected by gastroparesis or dysphagia. In gastroparesis, food remains in the stomach longer than is normal. Dysphagia means difficulty in swallowing. The various causes of peripheral neuropathy help in understanding the origin of the condition much better. |