Peripheral Neuropathy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects how your nerves work. Nerves carry information from your brain to your body and back. The information does not transfer along your nerves correctly when you have neuropathy. When you have peripheral neuropathy, the nerves in your legs, arms, feet, or hands are affected. It also may affect your organs, such as your lungs, stomach, bladder, or genitals. This condition may go away on its own or you may always have it.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Antidepressants: This medicine is given to decrease or stop the symptoms of depression. It also may be given to help with your pain.
  
  
• Antiseizure medicine: This medicine is usually given to control seizures (uncontrolled movements), but it also helps with nerve pain.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Therapy:

Physical and occupational therapists may exercise your arms, legs, and hands. They may teach you new ways to do things at home.

Brace or splint:

You may need a device that supports you or holds a body part still. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may need to wear a wrist brace.

Manage your peripheral neuropathy:

• Avoid falls: Move with care and stand up slowly. Wear shoes that support your feet, and do not go barefoot. Ask about walking aids, such as a cane or walker. You may want to install railings or nonslip pads in your home, especially in the bathroom. Ask for more information on how to avoid falls.
  
  
• Check your skin daily: Sores can form where your skin makes contact with chairs, beds, or other body parts. They also can form under splints. Keep your skin clean, and check your skin daily for sores.
  
  
• Exercise: Physical activity makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. It may increase your balance and strength and may decrease your pain. It is best to start exercising slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk to your primary healthcare provider before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you.
  
  
• Limit alcohol: Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Drinking too much can damage your brain, heart, and liver. The risk of getting high blood pressure and certain types of cancer are greater for people who drink too much alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol also increases the risk of having a stroke. Women should limit alcohol to one drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to two drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, or five ounces of wine. One and one-half ounces of liquor, such as whiskey, is one drink of alcohol. If you drink alcohol, talk to your caregiver.
  
  
• Manage stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Because it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditating, or listening to music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or neurologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or neurologist if:

• Your pain is severe.
  
  
• You have trouble with sex.
  
  
• Your medicine makes you feel sick to your stomach, sleepy, or dizzy.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You cannot control your bladder.
  
  
• You fall down.
  
  
• You cannot walk at all.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.