Overview

Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition characterised by damage to the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the central nervous system—comprising the brain and spinal cord—and various parts of the body. This damage can lead to a range of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain, and muscle weakness, particularly in the extremities such as the hands and feet. The condition can arise from various causes, including diabetes, infections, autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. Early diagnosis and management are crucial in preventing further nerve damage and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Causes

• Diabetes Mellitus-  Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves throughout the body, particularly in the legs and feet.

•  Vitamin Deficiencies - Deficiencies in essential vitamins,  vitamin B12, can lead to nerve damage. Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining the health of nerve fibres.

• Alcoholism   

• Infections - Certain infections, such as Lyme disease and HIV, can cause inflammation and damage to the nervous system, leading to neuropathic symptoms. 

• Autoimmune Diseases - Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack nerve tissues, resulting in neuropathic pain and other symptoms.

• Exposure to Toxins - Prolonged exposure to harmful substances, including chemotherapy agents and heavy metals like lead and mercury, can lead to nerve damage. 

• Trauma or Nerve Compression: Physical injuries, repetitive motions, or conditions that cause compression of nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

The following symptoms may be present: 

• Tingling or burning sensation, known as paresthesia 

• Numbness 

• Muscle weakness

• Sharp pain may arise.

• Challenges with coordination or balance.

• Increased sensitivity to touch can provide insights into sensory processing.

Ayurvedic View

Vata vyadhi - it is vata dosha predominant disease, where this aggravated vata enters sira(blood vessels, nerves) and snayu(tendon, ligaments), dries these by vata dosha ruksha(drying quality) and causes sandhi vishleasha (looseness of affected joint),suptatha(numbness), pain, this is peripheral neuropathy affecting hands and legs. Ayurveda's way of approach is to correct agni(metabolism), bring dosha back to prakruta awastha(balanced state), to rehabilitate the affected area by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and treatment done locally, so as to stimulate the nerves lost function.