RESOLVE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Approximately two-thirds of patients with peripheral neuropathy have neuropathic pain, which is considered one of the most disabling neuropathic symptoms. Neuropathic pain negatively influences the mental health of patients, compromising their quality of life^[74].

The treatment of neuropathic pain is widely established and included in medical guidelines and guidelines^[75].

Pain management can improve the quality of life for patients.

People with neuropathy should not self-medicate and there should always be medical control and monitoring.

A neurologist and/or neurophysiologist, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of an endocrinologist, nutritionist and physiotherapist, are responsible for treating this impairment of the nervous system.

The goals of treatment are to control the problem causing the neuropathy and relieve symptoms. Treatments depend on the type of nerve damage, the symptoms, and its location.

There are no treatments that cure inherited peripheral neuropathies, although there are therapies for many other forms.

In addition to medications used to treat conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy, medications used to relieve your symptoms include: pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, topical treatments, and antidepressants^[60].

There are currently also therapies or procedures that can be recommended depending on needs and severity: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, physiotherapy and surgery^[60].

Treatment must be prescribed by specialists and appropriate for each particular case.

Peripheral neuropathies can present in a variety of forms and follow different patterns, where symptoms can persist for days, weeks, or years^[3].

Peripheral neuropathies can be acute or chronic. In acute neuropathies, symptoms appear suddenly, progress rapidly, and resolve slowly as damaged nerves heal. In contrast, in chronic forms, symptoms begin subtly and progress slowly^[3].

Some people may have periods of remission followed by a relapse. Others may reach a stage of stagnation where symptoms do not change for months or years. Some chronic neuropathies get worse over time, but very few forms are fatal unless complicated by other diseases^[3].

Having peripheral neuropathy increases your chances of injury, especially at home. If you have sensory or motor difficulties, these tips can help prevent injury^[76].

• Keep all rooms, hallways and stairways well lit.
• Install banisters on both sides of the stairs and handrails in the bath or shower and next to the toilet.
• Get rid of anything that poses a trip or slip hazard, such as small rugs and general clutter.
• Clean up water or spilled liquids immediately.
• When driving, make sure to fully feel the brake and accelerator pedals and steering wheel; as well as being able to quickly move your foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake.
• Don't have small pets at home.
• Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury.
• Check (tops, sides, soles, heels, and between toes) and wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Use cream, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil on dry skin.
• Check the temperature of the bath water with your elbow before putting your feet in.