Understanding Neuropathy
Neuropathy, also known as nerve damage, is a complex condition that can develop for various reasons. Often the result of diabetes, traumatic injury, or some autoimmune diseases, it can be incredibly debilitating and may prevent patients from living a comfortable, fulfilling lifestyle. Neuropathy involves damage or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This nerve damage disrupts the normal functioning of these nerves, leading to various symptoms that can affect sensation, movement, or organ function, depending on the nerves involved. Neuropathy commonly results in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, sharp or burning pain, and muscle weakness.
BEST Health System works closely with patients to help them understand their condition and help them define a treatment plan they are comfortable with. We strongly believe that chronic pain patients deserve to live a pain-free life. Continue reading to learn more about neuropathy and how it is caused.
How Autoimmune Conditions Can Cause Neuropathy
Autoimmune diseases can cause neuropathy by triggering an immune response that mistakenly attacks the body’s nerves. In these conditions, the immune system targets components of the nervous system, leading to inflammation and damage that disrupts nerve function. The result can be neuropathic symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and muscle weakness.
- Lupus. Lupus can cause neuropathy due to its autoimmune nature, where the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, including nerves. In lupus, autoantibodies may attack nerve cells, blood vessels supplying nerves, or connective tissues surrounding nerves. This immune assault leads to inflammation and damage in the peripheral nervous system, causing neuropathy symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness, typically in the hands and feet.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to neuropathy as the result of compression and inflammation. Arthritis often leads to inflammation, especially in smaller joints in the wrists and ankles. This inflammation can compress nearby nerves, causing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, leading to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). GBS can cause neuropathy primarily through immune-related damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction.
Neuromodulation Trials with BEST Health System
Neuromodulation is a minimally invasive solution for neuropathy and other chronic pain conditions. This is an implanted device that uses lead wires connected to the spinal cord to send tiny electrical impulses. This therapy minimizes the majority of the pain and allows patients to stay in control of their condition.
BEST Health System offers neuromodulation trials to patients seeking meaningful relief. These trials allow patients to test this therapy to see how effective it is at targeting their pain. Discover the relief you deserve when you schedule an appointment with one of the Interventional Pain Management Specialists at BEST Health System.
Relief might be just around the corner. Contact us today.
