Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes pain throughout the body, tingling sensations, numbness, or weakness. These symptoms are caused by damage to the nerves, either from injury or disease. Neuropathy can also lead to balance, speech, and memory problems. It is crucial to receive medical attention for these symptoms as soon as possible. Many people develop neuropathy due to poor diet, nutrients, or vitamin deficiencies. There are many different types of neuropathy, each with its set group of symptoms and treatments. This article looks at some of the common causes of neuropathy that may require you to visit an Arlington neuropathy specialist for treatment.
Metabolic Conditions
One of the most common causes of neuropathy is metabolic conditions. Several different infections, genetic disorders, and malfunctions can cause your metabolism to become out of whack, leading to nerve damage. In some cases, this type of neuropathy may be permanent as the disorder is chronic. Metabolic disorders include thyroid gland problems, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and lupus. The most common treatment is to seek out the root cause of the disorder with medications or surgery.
Neurological Problems
Problems with the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord, also lead to neuropathy. Tumors, inflammation, and vitamin deficiencies can cause these problems. A malfunction of the central nervous system may cause what is referred to as multiple sclerosis (MS), which has many different symptoms, including loss of coordination and muscle control, vision problems, and learning issues. You can treat this type of neuropathy with medications to help manage the symptoms, although there is no known cure for MS at this time.
Traumatic Injury
Traumatic injury is another common cause of neuropathy. This can include anything from a car accident, motorcycle wreck, or workplace injury where you jerked your body around suddenly and violently. These injuries often lead to severe damage of the spine, which in turn causes neuropathy and other problems, including chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis.
Malignancy
Malignancies are another major cause of neuropathy. Cancerous tumors found in the extremities such as arms and legs or sometimes internal organs can also cause these symptoms. In many cases, you may require surgery to remove the tumor, which will then require treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink it before being removed from the body completely.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune conditions are another major cause of neuropathy. This means that the body’s immune system is attacking itself, causing inflammation and damaging the nerves in the process. It can be challenging to diagnose this form of neuropathy as it has many similar symptoms to other types, including metabolic disorders, injuries, or diseases. Some of these autoimmune diseases include lupus, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
In summary, there are many different causes of neuropathy that often have similar symptoms. Some of the most common causes include metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurological problems caused by injuries or tumors. Neuropathy specialists may be able to provide significant relief from the symptoms by finding and treating the underlying cause.
