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Peripheral Neuropathy
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| Fortunately peripheral nerves have the ability to regenerate, as long as the nerve cell itself has not been killed. |
Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from/to the brain and spinal cord from/to every other part of the body.
There are many different types of peripheral neuropathy. Some are due to physical injury, which includes nerve damage, repetitive stress, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, accumulated toxins, infections and autoimmune disorders and alcoholism. Shingles, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Epstein-Barr virus, multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease can also cause a wide range of painful neuropathic disorders. Some forms of neuropathies are inherited. More severe hereditary neuropathies often appear in infancy or childhood.
Examples of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:
- temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations
- sensitivity to touch
- cramps
- uncontrolled twitching
- muscle weakness
- burning pain
- muscle wasting, paralysis
See our Neurological Sciences section for information about our new department which
offers brainstem autonomic assessments for a variety of conditions using specialist equipment.
There are many therapies for helping those with peripheral neuropathy. The standard recommendations include:
- maintaining optimal weight
- avoiding toxic exposure and detoxifying if necessary
- exercising regularly
- eating a balanced diet (with supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies)
- limiting alcohol consumption
- treating diabetes to obtain optimal glucose control
Fortunately peripheral nerves have the ability to regenerate, as long as the nerve cell itself has not been killed. Symptoms often can be controlled, and eliminating the causes of specific forms of neuropathy often can prevent new damage.
Recommended and prescribed treatments for peripheral neuropathy
Methycobal® is a drug developed by Eisai Co. Ltd. for treatment of peripheral neuropathies. This product contains mecobalamin, a vitamin B12-coenzyme that occurs in the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. It is taken up by nerve tissues more actively and extensively than other homologues of vitamin B12.
A double-blind study on the clinical and neurophysiological effects of methylcobalamin on diabetic neuropathy showed that the patients receiving the supplement reported improvement in somatic and autonomic symptoms, such as burning sensations, loss of sensation and cramps.1
In another pilot study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of benfotiamine (a synthetic variant of vitamin B1/thiamine), in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, the results showed statistically significant beneficial effects.2
A collection of studies which demonstrate that alpha lipoic acid helps with neuropathies is available from the Linus Pauling Institute.
Because our nerves are made with essential fatty acids, to maintain healthy nerves it is important to ensure a good and balanced intake of these important fatty acids.
Sufferers from peripheral neuropathy may benefit from chelation therapy, which helps remove heavy metals from the body. This is beneficial to people with peripheral neuropathy in particular because heavy metals are toxic to nerves.
How Breakspear can help with neuropathies
At Breakspear Hospital our doctors will review each patient’s complete medical history and provide holistic care using conventional and nutritional medicine.
Because we specialise in allergy and environmental medicine, we offer:
- expert advice to patients for weight loss and maintenance of optimal weight (including a tailor-made nutritional supplement programme)
- a well-established detoxification regime using a combination of vitamin therapy, exercise therapy, saunas and Iratherm® whole-body hyperthermia treatment to help heal the damage done by exposure to toxins and advice on how to avoid further toxic exposure
- a Rehabilitation Programme with full medical facilities to minimise withdrawal reactions
To make an appointment to see one of our doctors, telephone Reception 01442 261 333.
For a general price list, see Patient Information or if you have any specific questions regarding prices, estimates and treatment programmes, please contact one of our Patient Liaison Officers, by phone 01442 261 333 ext. 293, or email: liaison@breakspearmedical.com.
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References:
1. Yaqub BA, Siddique A, and Sulimani R. Effects of methylcobalamin on diabetic neuropathy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 1992;94(2):105-11.
2. Haupt E, Ledermann H and Kopcke W. Benfotiamine in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy--a three-week randomized, controlled pilot study (BEDIP study). Int Clin J LCin Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Feb;43(2):71-7.
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