Peripheral neuropathy

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Central nervous system

Nervous system

Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be needed to control nerve pain. Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and pregabalin), tricyclic antidepressants (duloxetine), or other medications may be used to reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. Use the lowest dose possible to avoid side effects.

Adjusting position, using frames to keep bedclothes off tender body parts, or other measures may also be helpful to reduce pain.

The symptoms of autonomic changes will be treated. However, they may be difficult to treat or respond poorly to treatment.

• Postural hypotension (low blood pressure) -- use of elastic stockings and sleeping with the head elevated may help. Fludrocortisone or similar medications may be beneficial in reducing postural hypotension for some people.
• Reduced gastric motility -- medications that increase gastric motility (such as metoclopramide), eating small frequent meals, sleeping with the head elevated, or other measures may help.
• Bladder dysfunction -- manual expression of urine (pressing over the bladder with the hands), intermittent catheterization, or medications such as bethanechol may be necessary.
• Impotence, diarrhea, constipation or other symptoms are treated as appropriate.

Additional information can be obtained from the Neuropathy Association.

The outcome greatly depends on the cause of the neuropathy. In cases where a medical condition can be identified and treated, the outlook may be excellent. However, in severe neuropathy, nerve damage can be permanent, even if the cause is treated appropriately.

For most hereditary neuropathies, there is no cure. Some of these conditions are harmless, while others progress more rapidly and may lead to permanent, severe complications.

The inability to feel or notice injuries can lead to infection or structural damage. Changes include poor healing, loss of tissue mass, tissue erosions, scarring, and deformity. Other complications include: