Ivig voor neuropathie en perifere neuropathie

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, which consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This damage can cause various symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of muscle function. Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve or multiple nerves, depending on its cause. The condition can be diagnosed by physical examination, medical history, and various tests like nerve conduction studies and blood tests.[1]

Etiology[edit]

There are several causes of peripheral neuropathy. Some of the most common include diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiencies (such as B1, B6, B12), toxic substances (such as alcohol and certain medications), infections (such as HIV, Lyme disease, and shingles), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome), and inherited disorders (such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease).[2][3][4]

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which nerves are affected and the severity of the damage. Common symptoms include:

• Pain (sharp, burning, or aching)
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Loss of reflexes
• Loss of sensation (in severe cases)

The symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen over time if left untreated. They can also vary in intensity and may occur on both sides of the body or only on one side.[5][6]

Diagnosis[edit]

Peripheral neuropathy is usually diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms presented by the patient during physical examination. Other diagnostic tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

• Nerve conduction studies: This test measures how well electrical signals travel through the nerves. It helps determine the location and severity of the damage.
• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity in the muscles to help diagnose damage to the nerves that control them.
• Blood tests: These tests are used to check for underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.[7][8]

Treatment[edit]

The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on its cause. In some cases, the underlying condition can be treated to improve symptoms. For example, controlling blood sugar levels can help improve peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes.[9]

In addition to addressing the underlying cause, there are several treatments available for peripheral neuropathy symptoms. These may include:

• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription painkillers, or antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage pain.
• Antiseizure medications: Some antiseizure medications (such as gabapentin and pregabalin) have been shown to help reduce neuropathic pain.[10]
• Topical creams: Creams containing lidocaine or capsaicin may be applied to the skin to help relieve pain and itching.[11]
• Physical therapy: Exercise and physical therapy may help improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination. They can also help manage pain.[12]
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS is a device that delivers low-voltage electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin. It can help relieve pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.[13]
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat peripheral neuropathy caused by compression or trauma to a nerve.[14]
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise can help improve overall health and relieve symptoms.[15]

Peripheral Neuropathy ICD 9 Code[edit]

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) is a system used by medical professionals to classify and code medical conditions for billing and data analysis purposes. The ICD-9 code for peripheral neuropathy is 357.0.[16]

Mayo Clinic[edit]

The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization focused on clinical practice, education, and research in medicine. It has published extensive information about peripheral neuropathy, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.[17] The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy see their doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the nerves and improve outcomes.

Metanx Peripheral Neuropathy[edit]

Metaxalone is a medication used to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy symptoms. However, its effectiveness for this purpose is not well established.[18][19] Metaxalone should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, headache, and vomiting.[20]