Neuropathies are a group of disorders resulting from damage to any of the nerves in the body.They can result from several diseases and conditions including autoimmune disease, tumors, injury, heredity, malnutrition, toxins or infection. People with neuropathic disease often suffer with significant pain, and a decrease in levels of activity and function. Neuropathy is fairly common, affecting about 20 million Americans, according to The Neuropathy Association.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, occurring in approximately half of all diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. Most cases develop in those who have long-standing disease. Diabetic neuropathy can affect all organ systems of the body, but most commonly causes problems with the feet. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen to the nerves. This leads to feelings of pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities. There may be muscle wasting in the hands and feet. Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy indicate involvement of nerves to organs, individual nerves or nerves in the low back and hips. These symptoms include problems with vision, digestive function and urinary function. People with diabetes can also experience neuropathies that cause excessive sweating and episodes of faintness.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious autoimmune condition wherein the body attacks part of the nervous system. The illness can affect anyone of any age, and occurs in about one of every 100,000 people, reports the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke. The syndrome is often triggered following a viral infection, but can also happen following surgery or vaccination. Symptoms are rapidly worsening muscle weakness with tingling sensations beginning in the legs and spreading to the arms. Deep reflexes are lost and worsening muscle weakness leads to an inability to use certain muscle groups. Some people may become entirely paralyzed. The disease can affect breathing and heart rate, leading to a life-threatening situation. Most people with Guillain-Barre syndrome recover, but about 30 percent of affected adults will have some weakness even after three years time, according to Merck Manuals Medical Library.
Alcoholic Neuropathy
Chronic heavy drinking can result in damage to the nerves. This includes the nerves that control organ function as well as the nerves of sensation and coordination. Excessive alcohol has direct toxic effects on the nerves and deprives the body of the nutrients needed for healthy nerve function. People with alcoholic neuropathy experience slowly worsening symptoms of pain, muscle weakness, spasms and numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. They may also have urinary and digestive problems. Alcoholic neuropathy can be mild or severe, but the damage is permanent and can worsen with continued use of alcohol.
