Peripheral neuropathy and polyneuropathy (nerve damage): causes, symptoms, treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and, logically, raises the questions of whether neuropathy is dangerous and what consequences it may have on quality of life. Knowing the most common peripheral neuropathy symptoms is crucial, as timely recognition of the signs allows for prompt treatment. The good news is that modern medicine knows various methods that guarantee effectiveness when peripheral neuropathy treatment is started on time. In this article, we will share with you what peripheral neuropathy is, how it manifests itself, and what methods we use at PhysioArt to treat it.

What is neuropathy and what is polyneuropathy?

Both conditions are related to the peripheral nervous system – the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that connects the central nervous system to all other parts of the body. Think of the peripheral nervous system as a huge network of cables that connect the brain to the rest of the body and transmit messages – for example, when something hurts, when it’s cold, or when we need to move our arm.

Neuropathy is a condition in which one of these ‘cables’ (nerves) is damaged. This can lead to unpleasant sensations in a specific part of the body, for example, only in one arm or one leg. Polyneuropathy occurs when the problem affects many nerves at the same time. This usually happens symmetrically—in both arms or both legs. To sum it up: neuropathy is when one nerve is damaged, and polyneuropathy is when two or more nerves are damaged.

Types of neuropathy and types of polyneuropathy

In both neuropathy and polyneuropathy, the nerves cannot properly transmit signals between the brain and the body.

The condition can affect the motor nerves (which control movement), the sensory nerves (which are responsible for sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain), or the autonomic nerves (which control internal organs). There are different types of neuropathy with the difference being in how many nerves are affected.

Depending on which nerves are affected, we refer to:

Sensory neuropathy - Sensory polyneuropathy occurs when the sensory nerves responsible for perceiving sensations such as touch, pain, temperature, sight, hearing, and smell are affected.
Motor neuropathy - Motor polyneuropathy occurs when the motor nerves that control muscle movements and enable voluntary actions such as walking, running, and other limb movements are affected.
Autonomic neuropathy - Autonomic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and control involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, digestion). Damage to these nerves is also called idiopathic peripheral autonomic neuropathy or autonomic polyneuropathy.

Depending on where it is located, the following is observed:

If nerve compression is observed, a diagnosis of compression neuropathy or tunnel neuropathy may be made. In cases where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves, we refer to chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Common causes of peripheral neuropathy and polyneuropathy

There are various causes of peripheral neuropathy. A number of diseases and conditions can lead to damage to the peripheral nerves. Neuropathy can be associated with both internal metabolic disorders and external influences on the body. Here is a differentiation between the different types:

Diabetic polyneuropathy - This is polyneuropathy associated with diabetes. Diabetes causes damage to nerve fibers due to persistently elevated blood sugar levels, leading to impaired nerve conduction, numbness, and pain, especially in the feet and hands.
Alcoholic neuropathy and alcoholic polyneuropathy - These occur as a result of prolonged and regular alcohol consumption, which affects the nervous system and leads to damage to the peripheral nerves. A deficiency of B-vitamins is also commonly observed.
Viral polyneuropathy - Sometimes infections can cause neuropathy. Viruses can directly damage nerves or trigger an autoimmune reaction that attacks them.
Autoimmune polyneuropathy - In some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, the immune system attacks the body's own nerves, increasing the risk of developing polyneuropathy.

Signs of neuropathy and polyneuropathy

The symptoms of neuropathy can vary significantly depending on the type of nerve fibers affected and the degree of damage. In most patients, the signs develop gradually. Complaints often start in the most distant parts of the limbs and gradually spread to more central areas. The intensity of symptoms may vary throughout the day, with some people experiencing increased symptoms at night or during physical activity. It is important to note that early recognition of these signs is important for timely treatment and prevention of further deterioration.

What are the most common neuropathy symptoms?

When sensory nerves are affected, a person may experience burning or stinging sensations, tingling (‘pins and needles’), numbness, hypersensitivity to touch or a complete lack of sensation in certain areas. Signs of neuropathy in affected motor nerves include weakness, cramps, tremors, or even loss of strength in the arms and legs. If the autonomic nerves are affected, dizziness when standing up, digestive problems, dry eyes and mouth, difficulties with sweating or an irregular heart rhythm may occur.

And what are the polyneuropathy symptoms?

The symptoms for polyneuropathy are similar. Polyneuropathy affects many nerves simultaneously, usually symmetrically (both legs or both arms), so symptoms appear in more areas and often simultaneously. When sensory nerves are affected, there may be poor coordination when walking or grasping objects. If there are problems with the motor nerves, patients often report difficulty taking the stairs or standing up from a seated position.

Suitable treatments for neuropathies and polyneuropathies

We are positive that the question that interests you most is what is the recommended treatment for neuropathy. It is precisely this question that many patients ask us when searching for a cure for neuropathy. The PhysioArt Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center is located in a convenient location in Bulgaria’s capital, near the National Palace of Culture. The exact address is 21 Prof. Fridtjof Nansen Street (Toraks 2 Medical Center, 2nd floor). See some of our testimonials here. The center is equipped with top-of-the-line modern equipment and a team of highly qualified physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists.

Here are some of the therapies we offer in our practice for treatingneuropathies:

Deep tissue oscillation - Uses electrostatic pulses to create vibrations in the deep tissue layers. It improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, while reducing swelling and inflammation around damaged nerve fibers. Mechanical vibrations stimulate metabolic processes in the tissues, accelerate nerve cell regeneration, and reduce pain.
Electrophoresis - This is a method of applying medicinal substances using a constant electric current. Various vitamins and medications for neuropathy are used, which are delivered directly to the affected area. The main advantage is the localized effect with minimal side effects and a higher concentration of the active substance reaching the target area. The method improves nerve conduction and reduces neuropathic pain.
HighTone therapy - High-frequency currents are applied to stimulate nerves and muscles. This therapy restores neuromuscular function, improves sensory sensitivity, and reduces chronic pain by activating the body's own pain relief mechanisms. Thanks to the HiToP 2 device at PhysioArt, we can treat several areas all at the same time, which accelerates one’s treatment and increases its effectiveness.

Meet our team and inquire for more information by phone at + 359 89 872 4175.