As a condition that involves damage or dysfunction of the nerves, neuropathy manifests in a variety of symptoms, ranging from tingling sensations and numbness to more severe pain and muscle weakness. Unraveling the causes behind neuropathy requires a nuanced exploration of medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors that contribute to its onset.
Potential Causes of Neuropathy
Diabetes
One of the most common types of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy., and it occurs when high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes damage nerves throughout the body.
Diabetic neuropathy can manifest in various forms, affecting different types of nerves and resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness. The risk of developing diabetic neuropathy is influenced by the duration of diabetes, blood sugar control, genetics, and other individual factors. Proper management of diabetes, including maintaining optimal blood sugar levels, plays a crucial role in preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic neuropathy. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medications are key components of diabetic neuropathy management.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders can cause neuropathy through a process known as autoimmune-mediated nerve damage. In these conditions, the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, mistakenly targets its own tissues, including the peripheral nerves. This immune system misfiring can lead to inflammation and damage to the nerves, resulting in neuropathy
Some of the most common autoimmune conditions that can lead to neuropathy include:
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An acute inflammatory neuropathy where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
- Lupus: This autoimmune disease can affect various organs, including the nervous system.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: A disorder affecting the joints, but can also lead to neuropathy due to inflammation.
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A disorder characterized by inflammation of nerve roots and peripheral nerves.
Trauma and Physical Injury
Physical injury can cause neuropathy through direct damage or compression of nerves. When nerves are subjected to trauma, whether from accidents, injuries, or prolonged compression, it can result in various forms of neuropathy.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B and vitamin E – just to name a couple –. minerals (like magnesium, or essential fatty acids can lead to worsening nerve health.
For a more detailed explanation of how nutritional deficiencies can lead to the development and progression of neuropathy, check out our blog post on the topic by clicking here.
Infections
Common infections associated with neuropathy include:
- Viral Infections: Herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Bacterial Infections: Lyme disease, leprosy, and certain bacterial infections affecting the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems.
Hereditary Factors / Genetics
It's important to note that while genetics can contribute to the risk of developing neuropathy, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and other non-genetic factors also play significant roles in the development and progression of neuropathic conditions. Additionally, the manifestation of neuropathy can vary widely even among individuals with the same genetic mutation, emphasizing the influence of other factors.
Toxins / Medications
Examples of medications associated with drug-induced neuropathy include:
- Chemotherapy Drugs: Some commonly used cancer treatments, such as platinum-based drugs and taxanes, are known to cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones and nitrofurantoin, have been linked to neuropathy.
- Antiretroviral Drugs: Some medications used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS can cause neuropathy.
- Anticonvulsants: While anticonvulsant medications are often used to treat neuropathic pain, some individuals may experience neuropathy as a side effect.
Additional Factors
While we discussed a large amount of factors that can contribute to the development and progression of neuropathy and neuropathic pain, it is important to realize that this is just a sample of a wide variety of potential triggers. Other ongoing health conditions like liver disease, heavy alcohol use, kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, and cancer, and many more can all worsen the likelihood of neuropathy development.
If you have been diagnosed with neuropathy and are seeking a better, pain-free life, we would love to partner with you on your journey toward healing and restoration. Click below to learn more about our neuropathy treatment programs, and to book your $49 neuropathy consultation in our Carmel, IN clinic, just as we have with all of our patients from the Indianapolis area and beyond.
Resources
"Peripheral Neuropathy". Cleveland Clinic
"Hereditary Neuropathies". National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke