The nervous system is the body’s control center, overseeing all body processes. Throughout the body, there are an estimated 100 billion nerves that act as messengers. They send messages from the various points in the body to the brain, and vice versa.
Now, when the nerves suffer from damage, it can cause various discomforts. If it hampers your everyday routine, including your ability to make a living, you can apply for a disability claim in Utah or nearby areas. The condition, called peripheral neuropathy, can result from different causes and involves medications and therapies.
There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy. Here are some examples:
Physical trauma
Physical trauma or injury is the most common cause of single-nerve injury. These injuries may happen as a result of automobile accidents, sports, falls, and in some cases, procedures that may compress the nerves.
Diabetes Mellitus
Another common cause of peripheral neuropathy includes diabetes mellitus, a condition wherein the blood sugar levels are elevated. More than half of people with diabetes, either type 2 diabetes mellitus or type 1 diabetes mellitus, develop some neuropathy.
The cause of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients may be linked to high blood sugar levels that damage the tiny vessels needed to supply blood to the nerves. The common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy experienced by people with diabetes include a tingling sensation, numbness, one-sided pain, and weakness on the pelvis or trunk.
Tumors
In some people, the growth of cancerous and noncancerous tumors can affect the nerves of the body. When the tumor grows at a rapid speed, it presses the nerves, leading to various symptoms, such as numbness and tingling sensation in the affected area.
Autoimmune Disease
An autoimmune disease is a condition wherein the immune system attacks the healthy cells of the body instead of killing pathogens and foreign bodies. As a result, it damages the organs, including the nervous system. The nerves suffer severe damage, leading to peripheral nephritis.
The autoimmune conditions that cause peripheral nephritis include rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and Sjorgen’s syndrome. Other examples are Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Kidney and Liver Diseases
Diseases of the kidneys and the liver can lead to a high level of toxic substances in the blood. They are poisonous and can damage the nerve tissues. People who are undergoing dialysis for the treatment of kidney disease may develop different levels of polyneuropathy.
Nutritional Imbalances
Some types of vitamin deficiencies may cause neuropathy. For instance, if a person has vitamin B12 deficiency, it leads to peripheral neuropathy. On the other hand, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins, such as medicines, can also drive the development of neuropathy.
Chemotherapy
Another common cause of peripheral nephritis is chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause polyneuropathy in about 30 to 40% of cancer patients. In some cases, the nerve problem can go on even after treatment.
The nerves are essential messengers in the body, and they should be intact. Conditions like peripheral neuropathy can cause various problems and discomfort. In some cases, doctors prescribe Vitamin B complex to help the body cope with the damaged nerves. It’s also important to make sure you get adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to prevent neuropathy if it’s nutrition-related.