|
Therapy
Programs: Peripheral
Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a disorder affecting the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS consists of
nerves that branch out of the spinal cord. A failure
on the nerve's part to carry information to and from
the spinal cord and brain causes the different symptoms
associated with PN.
Three
different types of nerves can be affected:
- Motor
nerves - responsible for voluntary movement
- Sensory
nerves - responsible for sensing temperature, pain,
touch, and limb positioning
- Autonomic
nerves - responsible for involuntary functions such
as breathing, blood pressure, digestion, and sexual
function
Symptoms
The symptoms of PN are dependent on the nerve type affected.
- Motor
nerve damage - muscle weakness, cramps and spasms,
loss of balance and coordination
- Sensory
nerve damage - tingling, numbness, and pain, which
can be described as: · Sensation of wearing an invisible
"sock" or "glove"
- Burning,
freezing, or electric-like
- Extreme
sensitivity to touch
-
Inability to determine joint position in space
- Autonomic
nerve damage - abnormal blood pressure and heart rate,
reduced ability to perspire, constipation, bladder
infection, and sexual dysfunction
Causes
of PN
PN affects at least 20 million people in the United
States. PN can be caused by disease, nerve compression,
entrapment, laceration, exposure to toxins, such as
medication, or inflammation. Conditions associated with
PN include, but are not limited to:
- Alcoholism
- Autoimmune
disorders
- Cancer
- Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
- Connective
tissue disease (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus)
- Diabetes
mellitus (nearly 60% of those with diabetes suffer
from PN)
- Infectious
disease (e.g. Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B)
Complications
Associated with PN
Untreated PN can result in permanent loss of nerve function,
tissue damage, and/or muscle atrophy (wasting away of
muscle). Other complications include:
- Partial
or complete loss of movement
- Partial
or complete loss of sensation
- Difficulty
breathing
- Difficulty
swallowing
It is important to receive proper treatment and management
of this condition to reduce the risk of reversible damage
and other serious complications.
Treatment
of PN
The ultimate goal of treatment is to identify and treat
the underlying cause(s) of PN. Physical therapy is a
beneficial avenue to accomplish this goal. The focus
of physical therapy in treating PN is to increase muscle
strength and circulation by means of various modalities
and an individualized exercise program. The results
have been an increase in patient independence and mobility.
|
