18. Can HIV Infection Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
HIV infection is a well-known cause of peripheral neuropathy. It is believed that the neuropathy from HIV infection may be caused by the actions of the virus on the nerves of the peripheral nervous system and/or an adverse effect of the medications used in the treatment of the virus. Generally, the neuropathy from HIV infectction is […]
17. Can Chemotherapy Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPD) are the second most common adverse effect of medications used in the treatment of cancer. Hematological (blood and bone marrow) problems are the most common. It is not uncommon for the neuropathy from chemotherapy to diminish with time–depending on the agent used. The following drugs used in the treatment of […]
16. Can the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy in my Feet and Legs Be Reversed?
It depends on the cause of the peripheral neuropathy. If you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy you should see a qualified physician to have a complete medical history taken and an extensive medical exam performed. If an underlying disease is discovered to be the cause of the neuropathy then the successful treatment of that disease […]
15. Can Obesity Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
Recent studies have shown that obesity may increase the risk of having peripheral neuropathy. Losing weight and exercising are always good ideas, especially if you are obese and have peripheral neuropathy. A recent study has shown vitamin B1 deficiency occurring in 15-29% of obese people. Some researchers believe this deficiency contributes to increased numbers of […]
14. I Was Told My Neuropathy was Caused By Metabolic Syndrome…What Does That Mean?
You are considered to have metabolic syndrome if you have, or are taking medications to treat, 3 of the following 5 conditions: A waist line of 40 inches or more inches in men or 35 or more inches in women. Blood pressure of 135/85 or greater. Prediabetes or diabetes. Triglyceride level of 150 or greater. HDL […]
13. I Was Told I Have Polyneuropathy…What Does That Mean?
Polyneuropathy is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy affecting diabetics, prediabetics, alcoholics, people with HIV disease, and people who have had adverse effects from undergoing chemotherapy. It is a medical condition characterized by burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet and legs. The symptoms usually start in the toes and over time ascend up […]
12. I Was Told I Have Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy…What Does That Mean?
If a cause of a patient’s peripheral neuropathy can not be determined the neuropathy is said to be idiopathic. Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed in about one-third of people with neuropathy. It usually afflicts people in their 50’s and above. The diagnosis of idiopathic neuropathy is only appropriate after an extensive medical workup by a qualified physician. Many people […]
11. Can Drinking Excessive Amounts of Alcohol Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
Yes, depending on how much alcohol you have consumed over the course of your lifetime. Peripheral neuropathy is common in people who drink alcohol excessively. Years of drinking alcohol excessively can be very damaging to your body–especially your peripheral nerves. It is well-established that peripheral neuropathy in people who drink alcohol excessively is associated with vitamin B1 […]
10. Can Prediabetes Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
It is estimated that about one in five people with prediabetes suffers from peripheral neuropathy. In the US, that works out to about 15 million people. Unfortunately, the association between prediabetes and peripheral neuropathy is not well known to many physicians. Many people with peripheral neuropathy are often told that they have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy […]
9. How Does Metformin Increase the Risk of Vitamin B1 Deficiency?
Metformin is the most commonly used drug for type 2 diabetes in the world. Unfortunately, metformin has also been shown to inhibit the absorption of vitamin B1 from the intestines. So, in addition to the excessive loss of vitamin B1 through urination–as is the case in diabetics– the use of metformin puts diabetics at even greater risk […]