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Peripheral neuropathy is a condition marked by the degeneration of peripheral sensory nerves that result from a complication of a certain disease or injury. Symptoms vary from patient to patient and include: tingling, numbness, hypersensitivity and intense, jarring pain in the extremities. For some, all sensation in the hands and feet are lost, often resulting in ulcers and amputation. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is 2% to 4% worldwide and 6% in the US alone.
An estimated 30 million Americans suffer from a type of peripheral neuropathy. There are over 100 different types of neuropathies. We are currently undergoing clinical trials for a lead drug aimed at treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and HIV-PN (HIV-induced peripheral neuropathy). Our lead drug treats peripheral neuropathy, focusing on sensory polyneuropathy.
There are over 100 different types of neuropathies with symptoms that vary from patient to patient. We focus on the three main types: diabetic, chemo-induced and HIV-induced neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that involves damage to the peripheral nervous system. Our peripheral nerves carry signals to and from our central nervous system. Hence malfunctioning of these nerves causes disruption and affects how the body reacts to reflexes and other stimuli, like pain and temperature.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a progressive disease that involves pain, loss of sensation and weakness. However, a proper clinical examination may identify early signs without the presence of any symptoms. About 60% to 70% of diabetic patients are known to suffer from peripheral neuropathy. If not treated in time or managed well, it can lead to lower limb amputations. Each year, nearly 54,000 diabetics undergo amputations, 75% of which are preventable.
Symptoms develop gradually and can go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. If you notice any slight change in your symptoms or condition, consult your physician.
Nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy is caused due to high glucose levels. Diabetics are often recommended to maintain their blood glucose levels within a healthy range to prevent any further health complications. Symptoms can vary person to person but here are a few common ones:
Cancer treatments and chemotherapy can cause nerve damage that leads to chemo-induced neuropathy. These include platinum-based drugs, taxanes, Vinca alkaloids and Bortezomib. These drugs are commonly used to treat myeloma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung, brain and testicular cancers. The frequency of chemotherapies and the potency of drugs increases the risk of neuropathy.
Neuropathy can arise due to underlying conditions and can be managed by treating the given condition.
Autoimmune diseases are caused when an individual’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Nerve damage can be caused by such conditions that can lead to acute neuropathy. This can cause temporary or chronic neuropathy such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, an acute form of peripheral neuropathy while chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIPD) is a chronic form of neuropathy. Acute neuropathies are caused when the symptoms develop suddenly while chronic neuropathy is caused gradually.
Long term exposure to certain toxins can cause peripheral neuropathy. Common toxins include arsenic, lead and mercury. These can be found in insecticides and solvents can be exposed due to an individual’s working conditions.
Vitamin E, B1, B6, B12 are necessary for proper functioning of nerves. Excessive alcohol intake can affect thiamine and other necessary vitamins that can in turn lead to neuropathy.
The inheritance of certain genes can also cause peripheral neuropathy. These neuropathies are passed down from the parent to the child. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (type 2A), is a form of peripheral neuropathy associated with axonal damage and sensory loss.
When the cause of neuropathy is unknown, it is termed as idiopathic neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is underdiagnosed as it is often ignored by most health practitioners who are unaware of the disease, or unable to accurately diagnose due to a lack of good diagnostic tools and treatments. Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy usually involves a combination of methods. These include:
