What is Neuropathy? Sometimes breaking it up helps grasp the meaning a little better. Let’s divide it.
- Neuro = having to do with the nerves/ Nervous system
- Pathy = a disorder in a part of the body
Now if we put them together we find that neuropathy is a disorder of the nervous system and/or having to do with the nerves. What does the nervous system do? The purpose of the nervous system is to send nerve impulses throughout the body. Our nervous system is responsible/ the reason we are able to have sensation, movement, and basic organ function. The nervous system consists of two parts:
- Central – works with the brain & the spinal cord
- Peripheral – works with everything outside the brain & spinal cord
While neuropathy is most common in people over 55 but that does not exclude the younger population. There is no age limit to any condition. There are two types of neuropathy:
- Sensory Neuropathy:
Damage to sensory nerves (control sensation)
- Peripheral Neuropathy:
Damage to peripheral nerves
Although Peripheral Neuropathy is known to be diagnosed in diabetic individuals, that does not mean there aren’t other conditions that can cause neuropathy. For example, conditions such as infectious diseases (that attack the immune system), cancer, and chronic organ disease (liver/kidney) can be seen with effects of neuropathy. Neuropathy can not only be related to other conditions other than diabetes but it can also be hereditary. Yes, just as you can inherit diabetes, high blood pressure and other systemic conditions, you can also inherit neuropathy. Physical trauma can also result in long-term neuropathy after the fact. It is also said that toxins , chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients as well as medications treating HIV can be the cause of neuropathy.
So what does neuropathy attack? It attacks our sensory (stimulation), motor (movement), autonomic (viscera {internal organs}). Symptoms of neuropathy may range depending what nerves were affected. The basic most common symptoms reported are:
- Pain
- Tingling (described as pins and needles)
- Numbness
- Burning sensation
- Sensitivity to pain/touch
- Cramping
Bad cases of diabetic neuropathy may lead to amputation. Neuropathy can be detected when your physician is completing a physical. Why is that? Well, when you are at your primary physician’s office for a physical the doctor will document a thorough medical history, order lab work, and will perform a neurological examination to check your reflexes. This will assist the physician in the process of elimination in regards to what your symptoms are, your conditions, and medications or exposure you may have endured that may lead to you having neuropathy. It is important to always make your physician aware of all that contains to your health. Your physician should have everything documented and in writing. Documentation will be helpful for purposes of VA claims.
Vitamin deficiency induced neuropathy is the only neuropathy that can be reversed. Otherwise, there is no cure for neuropathy, but there is treatment available for those who have been diagnosed with it. The treatment can include medication, therapy, as well as homeopathic approach. Medications may include antidepressants, pain relievers, topical creams, and anti-seizure drugs. Physical therapy, as well as surgery, may also be a form of treatment for neuropathy. However, there are cases where there can be a much milder/natural approach where treatment will include acupuncture and herbs.
What does this mean for your VA case? If you have type 2 diabetes mellitus or any of the risk factors, chances are you will develop or already have neuropathy. While it is important to be aware of your chances of getting neuropathy, it is also important to know you can file a VA claim for neuropathy as well. If you’re already service connected for diabetes (see our blog post on diabetes claims), you can file a claim for neuropathy secondary to diabetes.
