Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, describes a group of disorders caused by damage to the peripheral nerves--all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nerves can sustain damage from injury or diseases such as diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy commonly causes numbness and tingling felt in the hands or feet, muscle weakness and a loss of pain or temperature sensations. Treating the underlying disease can cure the neuropathy since peripheral nerves have the ability to regenerate, as described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Remedies--treatments to provide a cure or alleviate symptoms--for neuropathy often focus on relieving the painful symptoms.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Anti-seizure medications prescribed to treat those with epilepsy can also help alleviate nerve pain. Although the exact mechanism of action remains a mystery, these drugs interfere with the pain signals sent from the damaged nerves to the brain, therefore reducing the pain felt. Doctors often first prescribe gabapentin, a newer anti-seizure drug, since it produces the fewest side effects, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. Other drugs in this class used to treat neuropathy include topiramate, pregabalin, carbamazepine and phenytoin. The most common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness.
Pain Relievers
Mild symptoms of neuropathy may find relief by using over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. To alleviate more severe pain, doctors can prescribe prescription painkillers, including drugs containing opiates such as codeine. Long-term use of prescription painkillers can cause dependence, the need for the drug. Other side effects include constipation and sedation.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, a group of drugs prescribed to treat depression, can also help to relieve neuropathic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, the oldest type of antidepressant medications, inhibit the reabsorption of chemicals, including serotonin and norepinephrine and to some extent dopamine, in the brain. This action dampens the pain signals sent from the damaged nerves, therefore reducing the pain felt. Medications such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline can provide relief but also cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, constipation and drowsiness.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, known as TENS, uses a small portable device to deliver gentle electrical currents to a localized area to stimulate nerves. These electrical currents inhibit signals sent from an abnormally excited nerve, such as occurs by damaged nerves, therefore reducing pain.
Surgery
Injuries can cause peripheral neuropathy by entrapping and compressing nerves. Surgical intervention can provide relief by releasing the ligaments or tendons compressing the nerves.
