peripheral neuropathy Archives - Healthhype

Neuritis (Nerve Inflammation), Types, Causes and Symptoms

Dr. Chris — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:35:55 +0000

Peripheral nerves are those nerves that lie outside of the central nervous system or CNS (brain and spinal cord). These nerves may carry sensory information (sensory nerves) to the CNS or motor signals (motor nerves) to the muscle. Nerves are a collection of neurons, the basic nerve cell, and like any part of the body it is prone to a wide range of diseases. When a nerve is affected by any disease process, its function may be affected to varying degrees. This may be seen as a change in sensation, abnormal sensations or muscle activity. What is neuritis? Neuritis is a broad term use to describe various diseases involving the inflammation of a nerve or a group of nerves. It is often associated with pain, changes in sensations, weakness, numbness, paralysis or muscle wasting. Neuritis along with other diseases that damage peripheral nerves are collectively known as neuropathies. Types of Neuritis Several types of neuritis have been identified. The most common types of neuritis are peripheral neuritis and optic neuritis. There are several other less common varieties of neuritis including : brachial neuritis polyneuritis multiplex intercostal neuritis ulnar neuritis lumbosacral neuritis occipital neuritis vestibular neuritis cranial neuritis arsenic neuritis sensory [...]

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Sensitive Legs – Causes of Leg Sensitivity to Pressure, Touch, Pain

Dr. Chris — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 23:47:09 +0000

One of the many symptoms that may arise is sensitivity of the skin to touch. This is broadly referred to as hyperaesthesia and can occur anywhere on the body. Hyperaesthesia also refers to sensitivity of any of the senses, not only touch. Sometimes skin sensitivity occurs on the legs and while the cause is not always known, sensitive legs may be a symptom of various diseases and disorders. What are sensitive legs? The term sensitive legs can be misleading because ‘sensitive’ is such a broad term that is used to describe several symptoms. However, in most cases it means an area of the body, usually a surface (skin), which feels discomfort or pain easily with touch or even light pressure (tenderness). This is known as allodynia. There is often little to no visible trauma and sometimes there may be no preceding event to explain why the legs are sensitive. As with any symptom, the sensitivity is subjective. For some people the pain or discomfort can occur with even the slightest stimuli, where even a light wind can trigger these sensations. However, when there is overt trauma or damage to the skin and/or deeper tissue of the leg then the sensivity [...]

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Hand Weakness (Weak Hand Grip) Causes and Normal Strength

Dr. Chris — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:15:19 +0000

A complex interplay of muscles, nerves, joints and bones allow for the degree of movement and dexterity of the human hand. Some 35 muscles in the hand and forearm control the movement of the hand. It is these muscles that give the hand the ability to move and perform tasks like gripping an object. When the muscles, or nerves controlling it, are diseased it can lead to overall hand weakness which may be most obvious as a weak grip. It is also important to note that the flexibility of the hand is made possible by the joints so joint diseases can therefore also affect hand movements. Normal Hand Strength The strength of the hands differs from person to person. Naturally a more muscular person will have a stronger grip as would more larger people in most cases. It is understandable that young adults will have a stronger grip than children or older adults most of the time, and even gender plays a role in individual grip. These factors (age, gender, body size, physical fitness, muscle mass) makes it difficult to define normal hand strength to a specific degree although there is an accepted range for what is average. Equipment like [...]

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Numbness and Tingling in Both Arms and Legs

Jan Modric — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:27:55 +0000

Numbness and tingling are paresthesias. These are abnormal sensations or in the case of numbness, it is a lack of sensation. Both numbness and tingling can affect any part of the body. The limbs – arms (upper limbs) and legs (lower limbs) – are frequently affected with paresthesias like numbness and tingling. Other abnormal sensations like prickling or a burning sensation may also occur. Paresthesias may occur only one arm or one leg. This usually indicates a problem with a nerve of that affected limb. However, when it affects both arms or both legs at the same time then it is most likely a problem with the nerve root or a systemic problem that can affect multiple nerves simultaneously. Some of these conditions may also cause numbness and tingling in both arms as well as both legs at the same time. Peripheral Neuropathies Peripheral neuropathy (Gk. peripheria = outer surface; neuropathy = nerve disease) is a group of disorders affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Sensory, motor and autonomic fibres of the spinal nerves and vagal nerve, can be affected and cause: Numbness, tingling, burning, pain or weakness in limbs Problems with coordination, muscle weakness, partial paralysis, falling from leg [...]

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Ulnar Neuropathy (Nerve Damage, Disease and Dysfunction)

Dr. Chris — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:01:25 +0000

What is Ulnar Neuropathy? Ulnar neuropathy refers to the condition in which one of the nerves in the forearm, known as the ulnar nerve, gets trapped or pinched. Pressure is applied on a nerve resulting in symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness in parts of the forearm and hand. The term ulnar neuritis is often used interchangeably with ulnar neuropathy. However, neuritis specifically refers to inflammation of the nerve while neuropathy is an umbrella term for all disorders and diseases of the nerve. Ulnar Neuropathy Location The ulnar nerve is an important nerve in the arm and is responsible for movement of the forearm. It also provides sensation to the ring and small fingers, a part of the palm, and the hand. The ulnar nerve passes through many ligaments and may get trapped within it or by the bones of the upper extremity. Thickened ligaments or deformed or distorted bone are more likely to lead to nerve compression. The ulnar nerve can get trapped at the following points: At or near the elbow region (in the cubital tunnel or the ulnar groove) At or near the wrist (in the Guyon’s canal) In the forearm between the elbow and wrist (above [...]

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Leg Pain During, After Walking – Causes, Symptoms of Claudication

Dr. Chris — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:03:35 +0000

Leg pain while walking and after walking is not uncommon. It depends on duration, distance and physical conditioning. A person who is physically fit and conditioned to walk long distances may not experience pain during or after a long walk. A person who is not accustomed to walking for the same distance or duration may experience symptoms like leg pain and muscle cramps. However, leg pain is not always due to strain from strenuous physical activity. Trauma is an obvious cause of leg pain. It can also be caused by a number of other diseases and disorders where walking and even standing can aggravate the symptoms like leg pain. This may be associated with the muscles and tendons, ligaments, joints or even the blood vessels and nerves in the legs. Claudication in the Legs Claudication is the medical term for pain due to insufficient blood flow. It is common in the legs but can also affect the arms. During physical activity the various structures in the limbs, like the muscles, need more oxygen. This is carried by the blood to the area. Therefore claudication is more likely to occur during exercise as the blood supply is insufficient. It is important [...]

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