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What is a Neuropathy?
Introduction to Neuropathy
Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that arises from damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When they become damaged or dysfunctional, a variety of symptoms can arise, ranging from numbness and pain to muscle weakness and loss of coordination. This condition affects millions of people worldwide, including many in the United Kingdom.
Causes of Neuropathy
There are numerous potential causes of neuropathy. In the UK, common causes include diabetes, which is one of the leading contributors to the condition. Other causes can be physical trauma, such as injuries from accidents, repetitive stress, or surgeries. Autoimmune diseases, infections like shingles, and certain medications can also lead to neuropathy. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption and poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in vitamins like B12, may contribute to nerve damage.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of neuropathy can vary greatly depending on the nerves affected. Common symptoms include tingling or burning sensations, sharp pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to touch. Some individuals might experience a loss of balance or coordination, particularly if the nerves in the feet are involved. In the UK, healthcare professionals diagnose neuropathy through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG).
Treatment and Management
Treating neuropathy effectively often involves addressing the underlying cause. In cases where diabetes is a factor, managing blood sugar levels can help prevent further nerve damage. Pain relief might be managed with medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or opioids in severe cases. Alternative treatments, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, can aid in maintaining mobility and function. Lifestyle changes, like improving diet and reducing alcohol intake, are also crucial in the management of neuropathy symptoms.
What is a Neuropathy?
Introduction to Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a problem with the nerves in your body. Nerves are like wires that carry messages from your brain and spine to the rest of your body. When these nerves have problems, it can make your body feel strange. You might feel numbness, pain, or your muscles could feel weak. Many people have this problem all over the world.
Causes of Neuropathy
There are many reasons why someone might get neuropathy. In the UK, a common reason is diabetes. If you hurt yourself, like in an accident, that can also cause nerve problems. Some illnesses, like shingles, can affect your nerves too. Also, some medicines can hurt your nerves. Drinking too much alcohol or not eating enough healthy foods, like vitamins, can cause nerve damage.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you have neuropathy, you might feel tingling, burning, or sharp pain in your body. You could also feel numb or have weak muscles. Your skin might be very sensitive to touch. It could be hard to balance or walk if your feet are affected. Doctors can find out if you have neuropathy by asking about your feelings and doing some tests to check your nerves.
Treatment and Management
To help with neuropathy, it's important to fix what is causing it. If diabetes is the cause, keeping your blood sugar levels normal can help. Medicines can help with pain. Exercises like physiotherapy can help you stay strong and move well. Eating healthy foods and not drinking too much alcohol can also help your nerves feel better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness, primarily in the hands and feet.
What are the common types of neuropathy?
The common types of neuropathy include peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy, and focal neuropathy.
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, infections, traumatic injuries, certain medications, metabolic problems, and inherited causes.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Symptoms of neuropathy include tingling, burning, numbness, and shooting pains, usually in the extremities.
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
Neuropathy is diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, patient history, blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and sometimes nerve biopsies.
Can neuropathy be cured?
Neuropathy cannot always be cured, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and address underlying causes.
What treatments are available for neuropathy?
Treatments for neuropathy include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle changes like improved diet and exercise.
Is neuropathy related to diabetes?
Yes, diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common forms of neuropathy, resulting from long-term high blood sugar levels.
Can lifestyle changes help manage neuropathy?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking can help manage neuropathy symptoms.
Are there support groups for people with neuropathy in the UK?
Yes, there are several support groups and organisations in the UK that provide information, support, and resources for people with neuropathy.
How does neuropathy affect daily life?
Neuropathy can affect daily life by causing pain, mobility issues, and difficulties in performing everyday tasks, potentially reducing quality of life.
Can neuropathy affect internal organs?
Yes, autonomic neuropathy can affect internal organs such as the heart, bladder, stomach, and intestines, leading to various health complications.
What are the risk factors for developing neuropathy?
Risk factors for developing neuropathy include diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, certain genetic conditions, infections, and some medications.
Can children get neuropathy?
While neuropathy is more common in adults, children can also develop neuropathy, often due to genetic conditions or infections.
Is there ongoing research on neuropathy?
Yes, there is ongoing research on neuropathy, focusing on finding better treatments and understanding the various causes of the condition.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a problem with your nerves. Nerves are like tiny wires in your body that send messages. If they are hurt or not working, it can cause pain or numbness. This is called neuropathy.
To help understand neuropathy:
- Think of nerves as messengers that talk to your body parts.
- Sometimes, nerves don't work right and might get damaged.
- When this happens, you may feel pain, tingling, or nothing at all in some areas.
If you have problems with your nerves, a doctor can help. You can also talk to someone who knows about nerves to learn more.
Neuropathy is a problem that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can cause pain, tingling, and weakness, mostly in the hands and feet.
What are the common types of nerve problems?
Nerve problems happen when nerves in the body get hurt. Here are some common types:
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This affects the nerves in your hands and feet.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: This affects the nerves that control things like your heart and digestion.
- Focal Neuropathy: This affects one nerve or a group of nerves, causing pain or problems in one specific area, like your face or leg.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: This can happen if someone has high sugar levels in their blood for a long time.
To understand better, you might try:
- Asking a caregiver or teacher to help explain.
- Using pictures to see where nerves are in the body.
- Watching simple videos about how nerves work.
There are different types of nerve problems. These include:
- Peripheral neuropathy: This affects the nerves in your hands and feet.
- Autonomic neuropathy: This affects the nerves that keep your organs working, like your heart and stomach.
- Proximal neuropathy: This affects the nerves in your hip, buttock, or thigh.
- Focal neuropathy: This affects a single nerve, like in your wrist or face.
It can help to use text readers or audio books if reading is difficult. Keep paragraphs and sentences short. Reading with a friend can also make it easier.
What makes nerves hurt or stop working?
Nerves in your body help you feel and move. Sometimes, nerves can get hurt or not work right. This is called neuropathy.
Why do nerves get hurt?
- Too much sugar in the blood, like in diabetes.
- Getting hurt in an accident.
- Not getting enough vitamins.
- Getting sick with infections.
- Using some medicines for a long time.
What can help you understand?
- Using pictures or videos to learn more.
- Asking a doctor or nurse to explain.
- Reading aloud with someone who can help.
Nerve damage can happen because of diabetes, getting hurt badly, infections, some medicines, body problems, or things you get from your family.
What are the signs of nerve problems?
Nerve problems can make your body feel different. Look for these signs:
- Tingling in your hands or feet, like pins and needles.
- Burning or shooting pain.
- Weak muscles that make it hard to hold things or walk.
- Not feeling things as well, like if something is hot or cold.
If you think you have these signs, talk to a doctor. Using tools like a soft brush or a simple exercise can help you check how your nerves feel.
Signs of nerve problems might be:
- Tingling that feels like pins and needles
- Burning feeling
- No feeling or numbness
- Sharp pains
These usually happen in the hands and feet.
Using picture cards and asking a friend to help can make reading easier.
How do doctors find out if you have nerve problems?
Doctors find out if someone has neuropathy in a few ways. They check your body, ask you questions about your health, and do some blood tests. They might also test how your nerves work and sometimes look at a tiny part of a nerve under a microscope.
Can nerve problems be fixed?
Nerve problems are when nerves in your body are not working right. This can make your hands or feet feel tingly, numb, or hurt.
Sometimes, nerve problems can get better if you find the cause and treat it. Like if it is because of diabetes, taking care of your diabetes can help. But nerve problems might not go away completely.
Doctors can give medicines to help with pain and help you feel better. Doing regular check-ups, eating healthy, and exercising can also help you live well with nerve problems.
For extra help, you can try things like:
- Talking to a doctor or specialist.
- Using special shoes or socks.
- Doing easy exercises to keep moving.
Nerve damage, called neuropathy, can't always be fixed completely. But, there are ways to help make it better and take care of what is causing it.
What can help if you have nerve problems?
Treatments for nerve pain include taking medicine, going to physical therapy, doing everyday activities with help, and making lifestyle changes like eating better and exercising.
Does diabetes cause nerve damage?
Yes, diabetic neuropathy is a common problem. It happens when you have high blood sugar for a long time.
Can changing how you live help with nerve pain?
Yes, changing some habits can help if you have nerve pain. Eating healthy food, exercising often, not drinking alcohol, and stopping smoking can make nerve pain better.
Are there groups in the UK for people with nerve pain?
If you have hurt nerves, you can find groups to help you. These groups are in the UK.
You can meet people who feel the same as you. You can talk and share your feelings.
A tool to help you is talking to your doctor. They can tell you about local groups.
You can also use the internet to search for groups. Ask a friend or family member to help you if needed.
Remember, you are not alone. There are people who want to help and support you.
Yes, there are groups and organisations in the UK that help people with neuropathy. They give information and support.
How does nerve damage change daily life?
Nerve damage is when the nerves in your body don't work well. This can change how you feel and move.
Here is how it might change daily life:
- Might feel pain, tingling, or numbness in hands and feet.
- Harder to walk or hold things.
- May need help with buttons or writing.
- Balance might not be as good, so be careful not to fall.
Here are some ways to make things easier:
- Wear shoes that fit well to protect your feet.
- Use special tools to help with cooking or dressing.
- Talk to a doctor or therapist for help and advice.
- Ask family or friends for support if needed.
Neuropathy can make life hard. It can cause pain and make it tough to move around. This can make doing everyday things difficult and can make life less fun.
Can nerve problems hurt inside parts of the body?
Yes, autonomic neuropathy can hurt parts inside your body like the heart, bladder, stomach, and intestines. This can cause different health problems.
Helpful Tips:
- Ask your doctor if you have questions.
- Try to eat healthy foods.
- Use pictures to help you understand words.
What makes it more likely to get nerve problems?
Things that can cause nerve problems (called neuropathy) are:
- Having diabetes (a sickness where you have too much sugar in your blood)
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Certain genetic conditions (sicknesses you can get from your parents)
- Infections (bugs that can make you sick)
- Some medicines
If you find reading hard, you can try these tips:
- Use a ruler or your finger to follow along as you read.
- Take breaks if the words make you tired.
- Ask someone to read with you or to you.
- Look up words you don’t know.
Can kids have nerve problems?
Yes, kids can have nerve problems. Nerve problems happen when nerves don’t work the right way. This can make parts of the body feel tingly, numb, or hurt.
If you think a kid has nerve problems, it is important to talk to a doctor. The doctor can help find out what the problem is.
You can use pictures and simple charts to help explain nerve problems to kids. Try using short sentences and easy words so they can understand better.
Neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage. It happens more in grown-ups, but kids can have it too. In kids, it usually comes from things like genes or getting sick.
Are people still studying nerve damage?
Yes, doctors and scientists are studying nerve damage. This is called research. They try to find ways to help people feel better.
Some things you can try if you have trouble reading:
- Ask someone to read with you.
- Use audio books.
- Look at pictures that help explain the words.
Yes, doctors and scientists are working hard to learn more about neuropathy. They want to find better ways to help people feel better. They are also trying to understand why people get neuropathy.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a problem with your nerves. Nerves are like tiny wires in your body that send messages. If they are hurt or not working, it can cause pain or numbness. This is called neuropathy.
To help understand neuropathy:
- Think of nerves as messengers that talk to your body parts.
- Sometimes, nerves don't work right and might get damaged.
- When this happens, you may feel pain, tingling, or nothing at all in some areas.
If you have problems with your nerves, a doctor can help. You can also talk to someone who knows about nerves to learn more.
Neuropathy is a problem that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can cause pain, tingling, and weakness, mostly in the hands and feet.
What are the common types of nerve problems?
Nerve problems happen when nerves in the body get hurt. Here are some common types:
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This affects the nerves in your hands and feet.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: This affects the nerves that control things like your heart and digestion.
- Focal Neuropathy: This affects one nerve or a group of nerves, causing pain or problems in one specific area, like your face or leg.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: This can happen if someone has high sugar levels in their blood for a long time.
To understand better, you might try:
- Asking a caregiver or teacher to help explain.
- Using pictures to see where nerves are in the body.
- Watching simple videos about how nerves work.
There are different types of nerve problems. These include:
- Peripheral neuropathy: This affects the nerves in your hands and feet.
- Autonomic neuropathy: This affects the nerves that keep your organs working, like your heart and stomach.
- Proximal neuropathy: This affects the nerves in your hip, buttock, or thigh.
- Focal neuropathy: This affects a single nerve, like in your wrist or face.
It can help to use text readers or audio books if reading is difficult. Keep paragraphs and sentences short. Reading with a friend can also make it easier.
What makes nerves hurt or stop working?
Nerves in your body help you feel and move. Sometimes, nerves can get hurt or not work right. This is called neuropathy.
Why do nerves get hurt?
- Too much sugar in the blood, like in diabetes.
- Getting hurt in an accident.
- Not getting enough vitamins.
- Getting sick with infections.
- Using some medicines for a long time.
What can help you understand?
- Using pictures or videos to learn more.
- Asking a doctor or nurse to explain.
- Reading aloud with someone who can help.
Nerve damage can happen because of diabetes, getting hurt badly, infections, some medicines, body problems, or things you get from your family.
What are the signs of nerve problems?
Nerve problems can make your body feel different. Look for these signs:
- Tingling in your hands or feet, like pins and needles.
- Burning or shooting pain.
- Weak muscles that make it hard to hold things or walk.
- Not feeling things as well, like if something is hot or cold.
If you think you have these signs, talk to a doctor. Using tools like a soft brush or a simple exercise can help you check how your nerves feel.
Signs of nerve problems might be:
- Tingling that feels like pins and needles
- Burning feeling
- No feeling or numbness
- Sharp pains
These usually happen in the hands and feet.
Using picture cards and asking a friend to help can make reading easier.
How do doctors find out if you have nerve problems?
Doctors find out if someone has neuropathy in a few ways. They check your body, ask you questions about your health, and do some blood tests. They might also test how your nerves work and sometimes look at a tiny part of a nerve under a microscope.
Can nerve problems be fixed?
Nerve problems are when nerves in your body are not working right. This can make your hands or feet feel tingly, numb, or hurt.
Sometimes, nerve problems can get better if you find the cause and treat it. Like if it is because of diabetes, taking care of your diabetes can help. But nerve problems might not go away completely.
Doctors can give medicines to help with pain and help you feel better. Doing regular check-ups, eating healthy, and exercising can also help you live well with nerve problems.
For extra help, you can try things like:
- Talking to a doctor or specialist.
- Using special shoes or socks.
- Doing easy exercises to keep moving.
Nerve damage, called neuropathy, can't always be fixed completely. But, there are ways to help make it better and take care of what is causing it.
What can help if you have nerve problems?
Treatments for nerve pain include taking medicine, going to physical therapy, doing everyday activities with help, and making lifestyle changes like eating better and exercising.
Does diabetes cause nerve damage?
Yes, diabetic neuropathy is a common problem. It happens when you have high blood sugar for a long time.
Can changing how you live help with nerve pain?
Yes, changing some habits can help if you have nerve pain. Eating healthy food, exercising often, not drinking alcohol, and stopping smoking can make nerve pain better.
Are there groups in the UK for people with nerve pain?
If you have hurt nerves, you can find groups to help you. These groups are in the UK.
You can meet people who feel the same as you. You can talk and share your feelings.
A tool to help you is talking to your doctor. They can tell you about local groups.
You can also use the internet to search for groups. Ask a friend or family member to help you if needed.
Remember, you are not alone. There are people who want to help and support you.
Yes, there are groups and organisations in the UK that help people with neuropathy. They give information and support.
How does nerve damage change daily life?
Nerve damage is when the nerves in your body don't work well. This can change how you feel and move.
Here is how it might change daily life:
- Might feel pain, tingling, or numbness in hands and feet.
- Harder to walk or hold things.
- May need help with buttons or writing.
- Balance might not be as good, so be careful not to fall.
Here are some ways to make things easier:
- Wear shoes that fit well to protect your feet.
- Use special tools to help with cooking or dressing.
- Talk to a doctor or therapist for help and advice.
- Ask family or friends for support if needed.
Neuropathy can make life hard. It can cause pain and make it tough to move around. This can make doing everyday things difficult and can make life less fun.
Can nerve problems hurt inside parts of the body?
Yes, autonomic neuropathy can hurt parts inside your body like the heart, bladder, stomach, and intestines. This can cause different health problems.
Helpful Tips:
- Ask your doctor if you have questions.
- Try to eat healthy foods.
- Use pictures to help you understand words.
What makes it more likely to get nerve problems?
Things that can cause nerve problems (called neuropathy) are:
- Having diabetes (a sickness where you have too much sugar in your blood)
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Certain genetic conditions (sicknesses you can get from your parents)
- Infections (bugs that can make you sick)
- Some medicines
If you find reading hard, you can try these tips:
- Use a ruler or your finger to follow along as you read.
- Take breaks if the words make you tired.
- Ask someone to read with you or to you.
- Look up words you don’t know.
Can kids have nerve problems?
Yes, kids can have nerve problems. Nerve problems happen when nerves don’t work the right way. This can make parts of the body feel tingly, numb, or hurt.
If you think a kid has nerve problems, it is important to talk to a doctor. The doctor can help find out what the problem is.
You can use pictures and simple charts to help explain nerve problems to kids. Try using short sentences and easy words so they can understand better.
Neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage. It happens more in grown-ups, but kids can have it too. In kids, it usually comes from things like genes or getting sick.
Are people still studying nerve damage?
Yes, doctors and scientists are studying nerve damage. This is called research. They try to find ways to help people feel better.
Some things you can try if you have trouble reading:
- Ask someone to read with you.
- Use audio books.
- Look at pictures that help explain the words.
Yes, doctors and scientists are working hard to learn more about neuropathy. They want to find better ways to help people feel better. They are also trying to understand why people get neuropathy.
Useful Links
Useful links from: What is vasculitic neuropathy?
- NHS - Peripheral neuropathy Provides comprehensive information on peripheral neuropathy, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments.
- Versus Arthritis - Vasculitis Offers detailed information on vasculitis, including symptoms, treatment, and living with the condition.
- British Heart Foundation - Vasculitis Resources and information on vasculitis, its impact on health, and ways to manage the condition.
- The Neuropathy Trust Focuses on providing support, information, and resources for people with various forms of neuropathy, including vasculitic neuropathy.
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- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
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