PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY-THE LEADING CAUSE FOR GENERAL WEAKNESS

Peripheral neuropathy refers to many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system. In this article, we would like to discuss various aetiological factors and their manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment strategies of peripheral neuropathy. Generally, peripheral neuropathy is caused by many underlying disease conditions such as Diabetes mellitus, Shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), Vitamin B-12 deficiency, Alcoholism, Autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythromatosus), Lyme disease, Syphilis, HIV, Exposure to toxins (lead), chemotherapies and Hereditary disorders such as Charcot-marie-tooth. The clinical presentations of peripheral neuropathy generally involve pain, burning or tingling sensations in the distribution of the affected nerves mostly in the hands and feet. The diagnosis of PN includes a physical examination, blood tests, a keen study of medical history, family history and lifestyle of the subject. Patients with peripheral neuropathy typically do not respond to traditional analgesics (paracetmol, NSAIDs) or weak opioids because these do not focus on treating various types of symptoms of PN. However, some Antidepressants, Serotonin or epinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Topical therapies and combinational therapies and non-pharmacological treatment were found to alleviate peripheral neuropathy symptoms.