Neuropathy syndrome can present itself in almost any part of the body and can take many different forms. The metabolic form seen very often can be found in individuals affected by diabetes. It takes the form of a neuropathy, or neuritis that affects the lower extremities.
In the individual with type 2 diabetes, the
neuropathy syndrome can be the poly-neuropathy type affecting the entire
lower extremity. It can present itself unilaterally or bilaterally. Symptoms
are, tingling, burning, numbness and
can be very painful. The nerves
affected are vasomotor, sensory and can be a single nerve or several nerves.
The condition can be very disabling. This form of neuropathy can also affect
the individual suffering from malnutrition. In this individual the problem
of malabsorption prevents them from assimilating the necessary vitamins
(such as the B vitamins) and minerals needed to maintain normal bodily
functions that are necessary to feed the nerves.
As previously mentioned, neuropathy syndrome can affect other areas of the body and for reasons other than the metabolic form. Other than congenital, different types of trauma can affect a particular region and target a single nerve or a nerve plexus in that area. A prime example of a trauma affecting a nerve plexus would be a whiplash injury in an automobile accident, or even a fall, and could result in a neuropathy syndrome called a brachial neuritis. Another example would be a sharp blow, or even leaning on your elbow, possibly due to your occupation, could result in an ulnar nerve neuritis or neuropathy due to the injury to the ulnar nerve.
Individuals, such as secretaries, or anyone for that matter who are constantly using a computer keyboard for many hours at time can develop a neuropathy called carpal tunnel syndrome. Gamers that are at the computer for many hours are also prone to this syndrome. This will occur due to the compression or entrapment of the median nerve between the ligaments in the wrist. Again in this scenario, the carpal tunnel syndrome can affect either one hand or both. The condition can be very painful, not only affecting the wrist, but there can be radiating pain into the hand, fingers and can also radiate into the forearm. In severe forms, it can incapacitate the individual to such a degree as to prevent them from performing normal everyday activities.
Infections can be another cause of neuropathy syndromes. Some infections can impact the immune system as well. A case scenario for example can be a condition such as the Guillain-Barre¢ Syndrome. It is unknown what the exact cause can be, but often occurs after some form of illness, possibly virus related. This condition can affect the body in many ways, not only causing neuropathy syndrome symptoms, but can affect the muscles of the body, causing a weakness impacting the individual from walking and even a paralysis. The respiratory system can be impacted as well. In severe cases of respiratory difficulties, medical intervention must be immediately taken.
Neuropathy syndromes cannot be construed as diseases, but as symptoms of a disease. So when an individual has the start of a neuropathy syndrome, no matter how mild at the onset, it is imperative that they see their healthcare provider to seek a definitive diagnosis as to the cause of that neuropathy. There are individuals who have a very mild form of neuropathy that just ignore it and are completely unaware that they may be diabetic. This should not be ignored.