Treatment of sensory neuropathy

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

• Neuropathy is characterized by eating disorders of the nerve fiber. For the treatment prescribed vasoactive drugs that improve blood flow: Pentoxifylline, Trental, Vazonit, Emoksipin, Instenon.
• To neutralize free radicals use antioxidant agents: Thioctic acid, Mexidol, Actovegin, Cytoflavin.
• To eliminate muscle weakness, improve the transmission of nerve impulses and restore sensitivity, anticholinesterase medications are shown: Neuromidine, Axamon, Amiridin, Proserin, Ipidacrine.
• For severe pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to patients: Ketoprofen, Ksefokam, Meloxicam, Nimesulide. Anticonvulsant medication is also indicated (Gabapentin, Neurontin, Pregabalin). For local anesthesia apply cream and ointment with anesthetics.

Let us consider in more detail the drugs used in sensory neuropathy :

1. Instenone

Drug with antispasmodic and vasodilating activity. Promotes expansion of the coronary vessels, increases cerebral circulation and improves metabolic processes in the brain.

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

Form release: pills and ampoules.

2. Aktovegin

It activates cell metabolism, increases the energy resources of the cell, increases blood circulation.

• Indications for use: cerebral circulatory insufficiency, peripheral circulatory disorders, trophic disorders. Acceleration of healing of ulcers, pressure sores, burns, corneal damage.
• Method of application: inside, parenteral, place. The dosage and duration of treatment depends on the form of release of the drug and the indications for its use, therefore, determined by the doctor.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, excessive sweating, fever.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnancy and lactation.

Product: Bean 100 pieces per pack; injection solution in ampoules of 2.5 and 10 ml; solution for infusions of 10 and 20%; gel 20% and cream 5% in tubes of 20 g.

3. Akamon

Contains the active substance - ipidacrine. Stimulates the transmission of impulses along the nerve fibers to the muscle tissue. Inhibits anticholinesterase, optimizes impulse transmission from neurons to muscle tissues. Improves 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 the injectable form of the drug, but with the improvement of the patient's well-being transferred to a tablet form.
• Side effects: increased drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, pruritus, headaches, convulsions, nausea, increased secretion in the bronchi, hypothermia, bradycardia, chest pain.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, epilepsy, bronchial asthma, disorders of the vestibular apparatus, 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 motility, increased anxiety, agitation of the central nervous system. For treatment, the use of drugs of the M-anticholinergic group with further symptomatic therapy is indicated.

Form release: injection for 10 ampoules per pack; tablets for the reception inside of 50 pieces per pack.

4. Neyrobion

Drug with a combination of neurotrophic vitamins: B1, B6 and B12. Active substances take part 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 application: the solution is injected deep intramuscularly, the tablets are taken orally during a meal. Dosage and duration of treatment are prescribed by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, excessive sweating, pruritus, tachycardia, shortness of breath, anaphylactic shock. Overdose is manifested by intoxication of the body with neuropathy, cerebral seizures, ataxia.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pediatric practice.

Form release: solution for intramuscular injection of 3 ml, 3 ampoules per package; tablets of 10 pieces, on 2 blisters in packaging.

5. Mexidol

Inhibitor of free radical processes with pronounced antihypoxic properties. The drug exhibits a wide range of biological activity. Effective with various hypoxia. Improves mnestic functions and reduces toxic effects.

• Indications for use: acute disorders of cerebral circulation, vascular dystonia, atherosclerotic dysfunction of the brain, withdrawal syndrome, dyscirculatory encephalopathy.
• Method of application: intramuscularly, intravenously. The duration of use and dosage are determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: nausea, dryness in the mouth.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, pronounced dysfunction of the kidneys and liver, allergy to pyridoxine.

Product form: 5% solution in 2 ml ampoules, 10 ampoules per pack.

6. Nimesulide

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent from the pharmacological group of sulfonanilides. It has an inhibitory effect in the foci of inflammation and in the way of conducting 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.
• Dosing: oral 100 mg 2 times a day. The maximum daily dose of 400 mg, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease state.
• Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness and headaches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, urticaria. With topical application of the gel, allergic skin reactions, irritation, itching are possible.
• Contraindications: ulcerative pathology and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, aspirin asthma, kidney and liver failure, 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, the treatment is symptomatic.

Release form: granules for suspension; ready suspension for intake of 60 ml; 100 mg tablets of 10, 20 and 30 pieces per pack; 0.1% gel 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, the essential component of treatment is vitamin therapy. All patients are prescribed therapeutic doses of such drugs:

• B1 - thiamine refers to sulfur-containing substances. Takes part in carbohydrate metabolism. The lack of B1 leads to incomplete absorption of carbohydrates and a shift in the acid-base balance towards an increase in acidity. Against this background, there is a decrease in pain sensitivity. Thiamine is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to the brain and to peripheral nerves. Provides nerve cells with glucose, protecting them from the growth and thinning of the protective layer.
• B6 - pyridoxine contributes to the production of hemoglobin, supports good memory and mental abilities. Vitamin warns nervous and skin disorders, slows the aging process. Reduces muscle cramps, 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 participates in the creation of DNA and RNA in every cell of the body, improves the process of assimilation of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. B12 deficiency is manifested by various lesions of the nervous system, pernicious anemia. It is also possible damage to the spinal cord, optic nerves, peripheral nerve fibers.
• C - ascorbic acid is involved in the growth and repair of tissue cells, bones, blood vessels. It promotes the absorption of other nutrients, protects the body from infections and accelerates the healing process.
• E is a powerful antioxidant that supports the optimal functioning of all organs and body systems. Tocopherol prevents the aging process.

Deficiency of any vitamin leads to certain consequences and complications. For the full supply of the body with nutrients, you should adhere to a balanced diet and additionally take multivitamin complexes.

Physiotherapy

The lesion of peripheral nerve structures is manifested by various symptoms. Most often, patients experience specific pain, reduced muscle tone and volume, and movement of the affected limb. Also observed disorders of sensitivity, paralysis.

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

Effective physiotherapy techniques:

1. Electrotherapy - the lesion is affected by a constant and pulsed electric current.

• Galvanization - the impact of direct electric current to improve blood circulation, lymph flow and oxygen supply to tissues.
• Electrophoresis - the introduction of drugs into the body using galvanization. The patient may be assigned painkillers, immunostimulants, vitamin and other means.
• Darsonvalization - reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain stimuli, improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to tissues.

Also, the patient may be prescribed diadynamic therapy, electrical stimulation.

2. Magnetotherapy  is the leading physiotherapeutic method in the treatment of neuropathy. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous properties. Increases the stability of nerve tissue in relation to various negative factors. It has a mild anti-stress and sedative effect. Low-frequency magnetic therapy stimulates the active recovery of nerve fibers, increases nerve conduction, activates blood circulation, reduces tissue swelling.
3. Balneotherapy is mud therapy, radon, hydrogen sulphide and turpentine baths. They have a stimulating effect on nerve fibers. Very often, this physiotherapeutic method is combined with galvanization or diadynamic therapy.
4. Physical therapy - is aimed at maintaining volume of movement in the affected limbs, improving blood circulation and lymph flow, stimulating the regenerative processes of nerve fibers.
5. Ergotherapy - for severe lesions, when full recovery is not possible, occupations with an ergotherapist are shown. This specialist helps to develop an algorithm of movements for performing daily tasks and adapt to a new state.

The scheme of physiotherapeutic and rehabilitation measures is developed by a doctor, individually for each patient. Treatment begins when the first pathological symptoms appear. If you let the pathology to drift, then there is a high risk of paralysis, atrophic conditions, disturbances in the heart and respiratory system. Also, a course of rehabilitation therapy is aimed at consolidating the results of the main treatment.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Alternative treatment

For the treatment of sensory neuropathy, some patients use alternative therapies. Consider the most effective ones:

• Dilute 20 g of blue clay with water to obtain a slurry. Apply the mixture to the sore spot until completely dry. Clay is saturated with microelements and beneficial substances, therefore such compresses have a positive effect on the affected tissues.
• Take 500 grams of dates, peel them and chop with a meat grinder / blender. Take 2-3 teaspoons 3-4 times a day after meals. The duration of treatment must be at least 30 days.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of turpentine with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Apply the resulting slush on a piece of rye bread and apply it under the bandage to the sore spot. The dressing is worn for 5-7 minutes, and then rub the skin with clean water.
• Take 200 ml of goat's milk and thoroughly moisten gauze in it. Apply it for 2-5 minutes to the area with the affected nerve. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a day until complete recovery.
• 2 tablespoons of calendula flowers pour 500 ml boiling water and let it brew for 2 hours. After cooling, strain and take ½ cup 3-4 times daily before meals. Treatment should last until a lasting improvement in well-being.

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

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Herbal medicine

Another alternative treatment for sensitivity disorders is the use of various herbs.

• 1 tablespoon of chopped burdock root mixed 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.
• Carefully chop 1 tablespoon of the root of elecampane and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. Let it brew until cool. Strain, take in the form of heat for ½ cup 2-3 times daily before meals. Duration of treatment is 30 days.
• Mix a tablespoon of leaves and powder from hazel bark. Pour a dry mixture of 200 ml of water and boil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day. The duration of treatment is at least 30 days.
• 20 g of rosemary leaves pour vodka, so that the liquid covered fresh raw materials. The medication should be infused for 3 weeks in a dark place. The finished tool is filtered and used for grinding the affected areas of the body.

Before using herbs for the treatment of diseases of the nerves, the risk of allergic reactions to herbal ingredients should be considered.

[10], [11], [12]

Homeopathy

An alternative method of treating neuropathic conditions is the use of homeopathic medicines. With the defeat of the sensory nerve fibers such means are used:

• Selinum oreoselinum - general weakness, impaired tactile sensitivity, burning in various places, muscular twitching.
• Brassica napus oleifera - desensitization (temperature, pain, tactile), paresthesia, edema.
• Chininum hydrocyanicum - increased sweating, involuntary muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, burning, cold limbs.
• Coccinella septempunctata - shooting and throbbing pains, moisture and cold distal extremities, migratory pains.
• Lac vaccinum - general nervousness, a sharp decrease in sensitivity, impaired coordination of movements, dizziness.

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

[13], [14], [15]

Surgery

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

The operation is extremely rare. 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 the nerve fibers during surgery or after anesthesia.

[16], [17], [18]