Toxic neuropathy is one of over 100 different varieties of peripheral neuropathy, a disease or neurologic condition that plays havoc with the peripheral nerves of the human body. When a person is afflicted with peripheral neuropathy, the ability of the body to communicate with its own skin, muscles, joints or internal organs is disrupted, which can cause minor to major problems as well as irritation to downright pain on an ongoing basis.
Neuropathy is often compared to the body’s electrical wiring system breaking down, which can then cause numbness, pain, weakness in the limbs, and loss of coordination, balance, etc. Peripheral neuropathy most often affects the hands and feet, causing loss of sensation or increased sensation that can range from tingling and “pins and needles” feelings to intense pain. Some sufferers of neuropathy describe a “gloves and socks” sensation even when they are not wearing gloves or socks. Peripheral neuropathy’s course is normally variable; it can come and go, slowly progressing over many years, or it can become severe and debilitating quite quickly. However, if diagnosed early, peripheral neuropathy can often be controlled through medications and even diet.
Peripheral neuropathy is a fairly common malady. It’s been estimated that upwards of 20 million Americans suffer from this illness. It can occur at any age, but is more commonamong older adults. A 1999 survey found that 8-9% of Medicare recipients have peripheral neuropathy as their primary or secondary diagnosis! The annual cost to Medicare exceeds $3.5 billion for neuropathic conditions and side effects. It is theorized that peripheral neuropathy has always been present as a human affliction, but has not received much attention. Its extent and importance have not yet been adequately recognized. It is likely to be misdiagnosed, or thought to be a side effect of another disease like diabetes or cancer or kidney failure. The development of new therapies has thusly and unfortunately been slow and underfunded.
When it comes to toxic neuropathy, there are several variables. The peripheral nerves can be destroyed or damaged – leading to the symptoms of neuropathy – by one of three main types of toxicity introduced into the human body. Unlike other forms of neuropathy such as compressive neuropathy – which is due to accidental compression of the nerves by impact or trauma – or diabetic neuropathy – one of the largest forms of neuropathy in terms of causation and caused by the hay-wiring levels of insulin in the body – toxic neuropathy stems from the accidental or intentional exposure to substances that prove harmful to the physical structures of the nervous system. These are the three main exposure elements that tend to create toxic neuropathy in the human body:
· Occupational exposures to chemicals or substances that have a deleterious affect on the nerves of the human body
· Accidental or intentional pharmaceutical ingestions that are above suggested or prescribed levels and which damage the peripheral nerves accordingly as a side effect of ingestion
· The abusive use of alcohol – which it is undetermined at this point as to whether the alcohol itself destroys or damages the nerves OR rather affects the nutritional balance in the body, diluting thiamine and other essential minerals that the nerves need in order to remain healthy…resulting in neuropathy that would need neuropathy care.
Toxic neuropathy can be diagnosed by trained neurologists who consult with patients about their lifestyle choices and habits. Seeking help from trained specialists is advocated, as neuropathy, as has already been stated, is often times misdiagnosed.
Neuropathy is often compared to the body’s electrical wiring system breaking down, which can then cause numbness, pain, weakness in the limbs, and loss of coordination, balance, etc. Peripheral neuropathy most often affects the hands and feet, causing loss of sensation or increased sensation that can range from tingling and “pins and needles” feelings to intense pain. Some sufferers of neuropathy describe a “gloves and socks” sensation even when they are not wearing gloves or socks. Peripheral neuropathy’s course is normally variable; it can come and go, slowly progressing over many years, or it can become severe and debilitating quite quickly. However, if diagnosed early, peripheral neuropathy can often be controlled through medications and even diet.
Peripheral neuropathy is a fairly common malady. It’s been estimated that upwards of 20 million Americans suffer from this illness. It can occur at any age, but is more commonamong older adults. A 1999 survey found that 8-9% of Medicare recipients have peripheral neuropathy as their primary or secondary diagnosis! The annual cost to Medicare exceeds $3.5 billion for neuropathic conditions and side effects. It is theorized that peripheral neuropathy has always been present as a human affliction, but has not received much attention. Its extent and importance have not yet been adequately recognized. It is likely to be misdiagnosed, or thought to be a side effect of another disease like diabetes or cancer or kidney failure. The development of new therapies has thusly and unfortunately been slow and underfunded.
When it comes to toxic neuropathy, there are several variables. The peripheral nerves can be destroyed or damaged – leading to the symptoms of neuropathy – by one of three main types of toxicity introduced into the human body. Unlike other forms of neuropathy such as compressive neuropathy – which is due to accidental compression of the nerves by impact or trauma – or diabetic neuropathy – one of the largest forms of neuropathy in terms of causation and caused by the hay-wiring levels of insulin in the body – toxic neuropathy stems from the accidental or intentional exposure to substances that prove harmful to the physical structures of the nervous system. These are the three main exposure elements that tend to create toxic neuropathy in the human body:
· Occupational exposures to chemicals or substances that have a deleterious affect on the nerves of the human body
· Accidental or intentional pharmaceutical ingestions that are above suggested or prescribed levels and which damage the peripheral nerves accordingly as a side effect of ingestion
· The abusive use of alcohol – which it is undetermined at this point as to whether the alcohol itself destroys or damages the nerves OR rather affects the nutritional balance in the body, diluting thiamine and other essential minerals that the nerves need in order to remain healthy…resulting in neuropathy that would need neuropathy care.
Toxic neuropathy can be diagnosed by trained neurologists who consult with patients about their lifestyle choices and habits. Seeking help from trained specialists is advocated, as neuropathy, as has already been stated, is often times misdiagnosed.
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