peripheral neuropathy

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

I can think of a couple of patients I've encountered with that diagnosis, with no hx of diabetes.

There seems to be a lot of variability in the diagnosis & treatment of chronic, idiopathic pain -- you'll see lots of different diagnoses from different clinicians.

RN1989 · Jul 24, 2008

Although it is more common in diabetic, it is also found in non-diabetics. People who are overweight and/or on their feet a lot are getting more susceptible to it even without diabetes being a factor.

Glad her doc put her on lyrica. Many want to use neurontin because it is cheaper but it does not seem to do as well but I have seen a few pts that did ok on just neurontin.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. I also have peripheral neuropathy from a pinched S1 nerve on the left side. When I was getting my chemo I talked to several patients who had gotten oxaliplatin--this is a side effect of this drug. I got it and still have numb feet and weird sensations in the skin of my legs and arms. The neurologist tried me on Lyrica, but it made me feel like I was vibrating all over similar to what Gabitril did when I took that, so that was the end of Lyrica for me.

jjjoy, LPN · Jul 24, 2008

I've got an senior family member who has diminishing sensation in his extremities. Been tested for diabetes (several times) and seen a specialist or two (eg neurologist), but no positive diagnosis made, besides "looks like peripheral neuropathy." No meds have been prescribed as there's no pain or tingling, etc, but the lack of sensation is causing problems with balance and safety (eg driving). So, it does seem that PN can occur in the absence of DM. I'd love to hear of other possible causes of this condition and any potential treatments for improving sensation or preventing worsening - as opposed to just treating the painful symptoms.

chadash · Jul 24, 2008

I guess the way to look at it might be: is there more than one way to cause nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system? What are they?

And also, what is the mechanism by which diabetes causes neuropathies?

Look at the questions behind your question....

:)

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

I guess the way to look at it might be: is there more than one way to cause nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system? What are they?
And also, what is the mechanism by which diabetes causes neuropathies?
Look at the questions behind your question....
:)

are you in RN school? i am a RN and have been a nurse for 23 years....

what do you think.. i've been a nurse for 23 years and haven't seen this at all....

you have great questions, you must be in school....

thank you for your input , i appreciate all your comments

I love my cat! · Jul 24, 2008

Other causes:

-People with Vitamin deficiency, like B12 or folate. Also seen in Alcoholics r/t poor diet which results in vitamin deficiency.

-Trauma or pressure on a nerve (nerve entrapment). Can be caused by repetitive movements

-Autoimmune diseases

-Hypothyroidism

-Lyme Disease

GOOGLE or ASK.com are great places for more answers. Just search Diabetic Neuropathies...you'll get thousands of hits.

chadash · Jul 24, 2008

Nope, not in school. That might be why I have had to ask questions. :)

Here is some info from Mayo Clinic that is so straighforward. See if this helps!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131/DSECTION=causes

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jul 25, 2008

Other causes:
-People with Vitamin deficiency, like B12 or folate. Also seen in Alcoholics r/t poor diet which results in vitamin deficiency.
-Trauma or pressure on a nerve (nerve entrapment). Can be caused by repetitive movements
-Autoimmune diseases
-Hypothyroidism
-Lyme Disease
GOOGLE or ASK.com are great places for more answers. Just search Diabetic Neuropathies...you'll get thousands of hits.

hmmm that is very interesting, she does have a history of lime diease... my dear i think you got it... that makes lost of sense..

thanks for teaching and old nurse something new... give yourself a big hug for me:yeah:

jjjoy, LPN · Jul 25, 2008

And the last line of the Mayo clinic info notes that if it's not related to DM, one may never identify the cause... still lots of medical mysteries to be solved!

Nursetastic · Jul 25, 2008

My mother has neuropathy in her feet and has an "official" diagnosis of Charcot Joint. She has been tested for diabetes many times and has never had even a hint of the disease. They say they will never know what caused it but the bones in her feet have basically disentigrated and she has rocker bottom soles. She may never walk for more than a few hundred feet again and has to have her feet checked on a regular basis as if she were diabetic. Its very frustrating.