Treatment of sensory neuropathy

Complex treatment of sensory neuropathy includes drug therapy. Medicines are prescribed depending on the causes of the disease, its form, severity of painful symptoms and presence of complications.

• Neuropathy is characterized by disturbances in the nutrition of the nerve fiber. Vasoactive drugs that improve blood flow are prescribed for treatment: Pentoxifylline, Trental, Vazonit, Emoxipin, Instenon.
• To neutralize free radicals, antioxidant agents are used: Thioctic acid, Mexidol, Actovegin, Cytoflavin.
• To eliminate muscle weakness, improve the transmission of nerve impulses and restore sensitivity, anticholinesterase medications are indicated: Neuromidin, Axamon, Amiridin, Proserin, Ipidacrine.
• In case of severe pain, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ketoprofen, Xefocam, Meloxicam, Nimesulide. Anticonvulsant drugs (Gabapentin, Neurontin, Pregabalin) are also indicated. Creams and ointments with anesthetics are used for local anesthesia.

Let's take a closer look at the medications used for sensory neuropathy:

1. Instenon

A medicinal product with antispasmodic and vasodilatory activity. Promotes dilation of coronary vessels, increases cerebral circulation and improves metabolic processes in the brain.

• Indications for use: acute cerebrovascular accident, encephalopathy, vegetative-vascular dystonia, cerebrovascular insufficiency, post-traumatic conditions.
• Method of administration: orally, intravenously, intramuscularly. The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.
• Side effects occur with rapid intravenous administration of the drug. Against this background, tachycardia, headaches, and hyperemia develop.
• Contraindications: increased intracranial pressure, epilepsy, intracerebral hemorrhage.

Release form: dragees and ampoules.

2. Actovegin

Activates cellular metabolism, increases cellular energy resources, and enhances blood supply.

• Indications for use: cerebral circulatory failure, peripheral circulatory disorders, trophic disorders. Acceleration of healing of ulcers, bedsores, burns, corneal damage.
• Method of administration: internally, parenterally, place. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the form of release of the drug and the indications for its use, therefore, they are determined by the doctor.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, increased sweating, increased body temperature.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation.

Release form: 100 dragees per package; injection solution in 2.5 and 10 ml ampoules; 10 and 20% infusion solution; 20% gel and 5% cream in 20 g tubes.

3. Aksamon

Contains the active substance - ipidacrine. Stimulates the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers to muscle tissue. Inhibits anticholinesterase, optimizes the transmission of impulses from neurons to muscle tissue. Improves the conductivity of nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system, improves memory.

• Indications for use: polyneuropathy, mononeuropathy, paresis, myasthenia, intestinal atony, bulbar paralysis, myasthenic syndrome, polyradiculopathy. Recovery period after organic damage to the central nervous system.
• Method of application: subcutaneous, intramuscular injections. Treatment begins with injection forms of the drug, but as the patient's well-being improves, it is transferred to the tablet form.
• Side effects: increased drowsiness, increased heart rate, itchy skin, headaches, convulsions, nausea, increased secretion in the bronchi, hypothermia, bradycardia, chest pain.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, epilepsy, bronchial asthma, vestibular disorders, angina pectoris, gastric ulcer, intestinal obstruction and urinary tract. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.
• Overdose: bronchospastic attacks, drowsiness, vomiting, stimulation of intestinal peristalsis, increased anxiety, CNS excitation. For treatment, the use of drugs of the M-anticholinergic group with subsequent symptomatic therapy is indicated.

Release form: injection solution, 10 ampoules per package; tablets for oral administration, 50 pieces per package.

4. Neurobion

A medicinal product with a combination of neurotropic vitamins: B1, B6 and B12. The active substances participate in intermediate metabolic processes of the central and peripheral nervous system.

• Indications for use: neuropathic conditions, trigeminal neuralgia, sciatica, lumbago, intercostal neuralgia, plexitis, facial nerve lesions, herpes zoster.
• Method of administration: the solution is administered deep intramuscularly, the tablets are taken orally during meals. The dosage and duration of treatment are prescribed by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, increased sweating, skin itching, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, anaphylactic shock. Overdose is manifested by intoxication of the body with neuropathy, cerebral convulsions, ataxia.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pediatric practice.

Release form: solution for intramuscular injection 3 ml, 3 ampoules per package; 10 tablets, 2 blisters per package.

5. Mexidol

An inhibitor of free radical processes with pronounced antihypoxic properties. The drug exhibits a wide range of biological activity. It is effective in various hypoxia. Improves mnemonic functions and reduces toxic effects.

• Indications for use: acute cerebrovascular accidents, vegetative-vascular dystonia, atherosclerotic disorders of brain function, withdrawal syndrome, cerebrovascular insufficiency.
• Method of administration: intramuscularly, intravenously. Duration of administration and dosage are determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: nausea, dry mouth.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, severe renal and hepatic dysfunction, allergy to pyridoxine.

Release form: 5% solution in 2 ml ampoules, 10 ampoules per package.

6. Nimesulide

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug from the pharmacological group of sulfonanilides. It has an inhibitory effect on inflammation sites and on the pathway of nerve impulses. It has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties.

• Indications for use: arthritis, osteoarthrosis, arthrosis, myalgia, arthralgia, bursitis, fever and pain of various origins.
• Method of administration: orally 100 mg 2 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
• Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness and headaches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, urticaria. When using the gel locally, skin allergic reactions, irritation, and itching are possible.
• Contraindications: ulcerative pathologies and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, aspirin asthma, renal and hepatic insufficiency, pregnancy and pediatric practice.
• Overdose: nausea, vomiting, pain in the gastrointestinal tract and epigastric region, drowsiness, acute renal failure, respiratory depression. There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic.

Release form: granules for suspension; ready-to-use suspension for oral administration 60 ml; tablets 100 mg 10, 20 and 30 pieces per package; gel 0.1% in a tube of 30 g.

Vitamins

One of the reasons for the development of sensory neuropathy is an acute deficiency of vitamins in the body, especially group B. Therefore, an obligatory component of treatment is vitamin therapy. All patients are prescribed therapeutic doses of the following drugs:

• B1 – thiamine is a sulfur-containing substance. It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency of B1 leads to incomplete absorption of carbohydrates and shift of the acid-base balance towards increased acidity. Against this background, there is a decrease in pain sensitivity. Thiamine is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain and peripheral nerves. It supplies nerve cells with glucose, protecting them from proliferation and thinning of the protective layer.
• B6 – pyridoxine promotes the production of hemoglobin, maintains good memory and mental abilities. The vitamin prevents nervous and skin disorders, slows down the aging process. Reduces muscle spasms, cramps, numbness of the limbs, neuritis. Pyridoxine also has a diuretic effect.
• B12 – cyanocobalamin plays an important role in the normal functioning of the nervous system. The substance takes part in the creation of DNA and RNA in each cell of the body, improves the process of assimilation of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. B12 deficiency manifests itself in various lesions of the nervous system, pernicious anemia. Lesions of the spinal cord, optic nerves, peripheral nerve fibers are also possible.
• C – ascorbic acid takes part in the growth and restoration of tissue cells, bones, blood vessels. Promotes the absorption of other useful substances, protects the body from infections and accelerates the healing process.
• E is a powerful antioxidant that supports the optimal functioning of all organs and systems of the body. Tocopherol prevents the aging process.

Deficiency of any vitamin leads to certain consequences and complications. To fully supply the body with useful substances, you should stick to a balanced diet and additionally take multivitamin complexes.

Physiotherapy treatment

Damage to peripheral nerve structures manifests itself in various symptoms. Most often, patients experience pain of a specific nature, decreased muscle tone and range of motion of the affected limb. Sensitivity disorders and paralysis are also observed.

Physiotherapy treatment is an obligatory component of complex therapy of nerve diseases. It is used to improve blood flow, tissue oxygen supply, to increase muscle contractions and tone. A properly selected set of physiotherapy procedures can improve nerve conduction functions, restore tissue sensitivity and reduce the severity of autonomic disorders.

Effective physiotherapy techniques:

1. Electrotherapy – the affected area is exposed to direct and pulsed electric current.

• Galvanization is the effect of direct electric current to improve blood circulation, lymph flow and tissue oxygen supply.
• Electrophoresis is the introduction of drugs into the body using galvanization. The patient may be prescribed painkillers, immunostimulants, vitamins and other drugs.
• Darsonvalization – reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings to painful stimuli, improves blood circulation and tissue oxygen supply.

The patient may also be prescribed diadynamic therapy and electrical stimulation.

2. Magnetotherapy is the leading physiotherapeutic method in the treatment of neuropathy. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous properties. It increases the resistance of nerve tissues to various negative factors. It has a soft anti-stress and sedative effect. Low-frequency magnetotherapy stimulates active restoration of nerve fibers, increases nerve conductivity, activates blood circulation, and reduces tissue swelling.
3. Balneotherapy is mud therapy, radon, hydrogen sulphide and turpentine baths. They have a stimulating effect on nerve fibres. Very often this physiotherapeutic method is combined with galvanization or diadynamic therapy.
4. Therapeutic physical training is aimed at maintaining the range of motion in the affected limbs, improving blood circulation and lymph flow, and stimulating the regenerative processes of nerve fibers.
5. Occupational therapy – in case of severe injuries, when full recovery is impossible, sessions with an occupational therapist are recommended. This specialist helps to develop an algorithm of movements for performing daily tasks and adapt to a new condition.

A scheme of physiotherapeutic and rehabilitation measures is developed by a doctor, individually for each patient. Treatment begins when the first pathological symptoms appear. If the pathology is left to its own devices, there is a high risk of developing paralysis, atrophic conditions, disorders in the functioning of the heart and respiratory system. Also, the course of rehabilitation therapy is aimed at consolidating the results of the main treatment.

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Folk remedies

To treat sensory neuropathy, some patients use folk therapy methods. Let's consider the most effective of them:

• Dilute 20 g of blue clay with water to obtain a paste. Apply the mixture to the sore spot until it dries completely. Clay is saturated with microelements and useful substances, so such compresses have a positive effect on the affected tissues.
• Take 500 g of dates, remove the pits and grind them using a meat grinder/blender. Take 2-3 teaspoons 3-4 times a day after meals. The duration of treatment should be at least 30 days.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of turpentine with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Apply the resulting liquid to a piece of rye bread and apply it under the bandage to the sore spot. Wear the bandage for 5-7 minutes, then wipe the skin with clean water.
• Take 200 ml of goat milk and soak gauze in it thoroughly. Apply it to the affected nerve area for 2-5 minutes. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a day until complete recovery.
• Pour 500 ml of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of calendula flowers and let it brew for 2 hours. After cooling, strain and take ½ cup 3-4 times a day before meals. Treatment should last until there is a stable improvement in well-being.

Traditional medicine is not an alternative to classical therapy and should only be carried out in consultation with your doctor.

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Herbal treatment

Another alternative treatment option for sensory impairment is the use of various herbs.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed burdock roots with 250 ml of red wine. Boil the mixture over low heat for 5-10 minutes. After cooling, take ½ cup 2 times a day.
• Grind 1 tablespoon of elecampane root thoroughly and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. Let it brew until it cools completely. Strain and take warm ½ cup 2-3 times a day before meals. Duration of treatment is 30 days.
• Mix a tablespoon of hazel leaves and bark powder. Pour 200 ml of water over the dry mixture and boil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day. Duration of treatment is at least 30 days.
• Pour 20 g of rosemary leaves with vodka so that the liquid covers the fresh raw material. The medicine should be infused for 3 weeks in a dark place. The finished product is filtered and used to rub the affected areas of the body.

Before using herbs to treat nerve disease, you should consider the risk of developing allergic reactions to herbal ingredients.

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Homeopathy

An alternative way to treat neuropathic conditions is to use homeopathic remedies. When sensory nerve fibers are affected, the following remedies are used:

• Selinum oreoselinum – general weakness, impaired tactile sensitivity, burning in various places, muscle twitching.
• Brassica napus oleifera – decreased sensitivity (temperature, pain, tactile), paresthesia, swelling.
• Chininum hydrocyanicum – increased sweating, involuntary muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, burning, cold extremities.
• Coccinella septempunctata – shooting and pulsating pains, dampness and coldness of the distal parts of the extremities, migrating pains.
• Lac vaccinum – general nervousness, sharp decrease in sensitivity, impaired coordination of movements, dizziness.

The above homeopathic remedies should be used only as prescribed by a homeopathic doctor. The doctor studies the patient's medical history, selects the most effective remedy, indicating its dosage and duration of use.

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Surgical treatment

If the cause of sensory neuropathy is compression of nerve endings, then surgical treatment may be prescribed to restore sensitivity.

The operation is performed extremely rarely. This type of therapy has no advantages over conservative methods. In addition, there is a high risk of complications of the disease, additional damage to nerve fibers during the operation or after the use of anesthesia.

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