Archive for March, 2010

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment can be Improved by Lifestyle Choices

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

While there are a lot of known methods considered as peripheral neuropathy treatment, there are also a few which can be done on your own. This is because there are some factors which can contribute to the condition if it is not treated properly. Once these lifestyle treatment options will be observed, the patient suffering from neuropathy can have a better chance of getting treated as soon as possible.

These treatment procedures involve lifestyle changes that require the effort of the patient to make the necessary actions. As such, they should be strictly practiced by the patient so that he can ensure his condition will be monitored much better. Such examples of these treatments involve maintaining an optimal weight, following an exercise program supervised by a physician, avoiding exposure to toxins, correcting deficiencies with vitamins, eating a well balanced diet, and by limiting or avoiding the consumption of alcohol.

The above mentioned are all lifestyle changes that one must adhere to if he wants to be healed from his peripheral neuropathy. In other situations, they are being done to supply the medication that has been prescribed the physician.

As always, having a healthy lifestyle is the best answer if you want to refrain from getting any diseases. This can be achieved with regular exercise, proper diet and nutrition, stop smoking, and by the right self-care or hygiene skills. Not only are these peripheral neuropathy treatment methods but they can also be the start of having a healthy life ahead. By making sure the patient has a healthy lifestyle, diseases can be avoided and he can have a better life. Failure to follow the guidelines for a healthy life can thoroughly lead to the downfall of the body’s immune system. And for this, neuropathy and other diseases are being welcomed into the body.

The Common Medications Being Used as Treatment for Neuropathy

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Now that neuropathy has been discussed, many are probably looking for the appropriate treatment for neuropathy. One goal of its treatment though is so that the condition of the patient can be managed. Once the original cause has been corrected, the neuropathy disease will eventually improve by itself. In addition to this goal, treatment is also being done so that the painful symptoms can be relieved. Among these treatments include taking the following medications:

Pain relievers- While this is self explanatory, taking over the counter pain relievers can relieve the mild symptoms of neuropathy such as burning pain, sensitivity, and muscle weakness to the affected area. However, if there are more serious symptoms, doctors can prescribe painkillers. These prescription drugs include opiates or codeine. Because this can lead to drug dependence, sedation or constipation, these drugs are only being prescribed when all the other treatments do not work.
Lidocaine patch- This is a patch which contains a topical anesthetic known as lidocaine. Normally, it is being applied to the area where there is severe pain. In one day, patients can use up to four patches in order to relieve pain. For some people, they can develop a rash on the area where the patch has been placed.
Anti-seizure medications- Originally, drugs like topiramate (Topamax), carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin), phentyoin (Dilantin), and pregabalin (Lyrica) were developed to cure epilepsy. But doctors can also prescribe them to treat nerve pain.
Antidepressants- While tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and amitriptyline were originally developed for treating depression, they were also found to be able to help alleviate pain. This is through the drugs ability to interfere with the spinal cord and the brain’s chemical processes of causing patients to feel pain.

While these medications are being used as treatment for neuropathy, extreme care still needs to be enforced when taking them so that side effects can be avoided.