Symptoms

• Nerves can literally be frayed.noeud effiloch?? image by Marc Rigaud from Fotolia.com
  
  See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms like tingling or burning sensation in the hands and/or feet; sharp burning pain or the feeling of an electric shock; sensitivity to even the lightest touch; bowel or bladder problems; lack of coordination or muscle weakness. The earlier treatment is sought, the more successful it will be in controlling symptoms.
  
  

Causes

• Auto accident trauma is one cause of neuropathy.feuerwehr (13) image by fuxart from Fotolia.com
  
  The underlying causes of neuropathy vary greatly. The National Institute of Health classifies the causes into four main categories. Physical injury or trauma is seen most often in automobile accidents, falls and sports-related injuries. The nerve can often be damaged or even severed by a broken bone or pinched by dislocated vertebrae. Systemic diseases include diabetes (the most prevalent cause in this category), kidney disease, hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, cancers and benign tumors and repetitive motion. Infections and autoimmune disorders like herpes, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV and inflammation resulting from immune system reactions can also cause neuropathy. Neuropathy can also occur from genetic diseases.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Early detection is vital.Doctor image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
  
  It is vital to catch neuropathy at its earliest stages. Since there are many possible causes, a range of tests should be conducted to quickly identify the cause. There may be multiple factors.For example, a diabetic could also have a vitamin B12 deficiency. If this is the case, a two-prong treatment is necessary. Tests that may be necessary include a physical exam, blood tests, muscle strength tests, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan (computed tomography) and possibly nerve biopsies.
  
  

Treatment

• Vitamin deficiences can cause neuropathy.vitamins image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
  
  Prompt diagnosis and treatment can result in diminished symptoms. While there is no guarantee of a cure or reversal of the condition, the symptoms are treatable. The peripheral nerve can regenerate if the nerve cells themselves are not killed. If there is an underlying disease, such as diabetes or a vitamin deficiency, often aggressive treatment will stop the progression of neuropathy. If the disease is controlled, additional damage to the nerves can be halted. There are other lifestyle changes that can help. Losing weight and exercise will reduce the strain on the muscles and keep blood flow more constant. If you smoke, quit. Smoking constricts the blood flow to the extremities and exacerbates the symptoms. There are many treatments for the pain associated with neuropathy, including antidepressants. Surgeries can also relieve those who suffer from neuropathy due to back problems or carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  

Research

• Research is ongoing to discover a cure.laboratory image by Oleg Verbitsky from Fotolia.com
  
  Federally funded research is being conducted to find out how the immune system contributes to neuropathic dysfunction, particularly the causes of inflammation. The goal of the therapies is to combat these inherited malfunctions. Other studies are being conducted to find out how to encourage the body's natural defenses that protect neurons and promote their survival. These are referred to as "neurotropic factors." It is hoped that this research will lead to treatment that can reverse neuropathic damage.