How Long Can You Live with Neuropathy? Essential Info and Other Common Questions (2024)
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Introduction
Neuropathy is a complex and often challenging condition, affecting millions worldwide. Understanding how long you can live with neuropathy, its symptoms, and your management options is crucial for anyone dealing with this condition.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (PN) are typically not life-threatening. However, PN can be associated with an increased risk of death due to related health conditions.
On this page, we will explore the various types of neuropathy, the factors that influence life expectancy, and effective management strategies. Additionally, we'll address other common questions about neuropathy.
Let's dive right in.
How Long Can You Live with Neuropathy?
The life expectancy of someone with neuropathy generally depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of other health conditions.
Research Insights
Some studies have linked neuropathy with an increased risk of mortality, but typically due to associated conditions rather than neuropathy itself.
For example, a 2021 prospective cohort study involving 7,116 adults aged 40 or above with peripheral neuropathy in the United States found links to mortality. The researchers did not associate the deaths specifically with neuropathy but linked them to other health conditions related to neuropathy. For instance, cardiovascular causes were significant contributors, highlighting the importance of managing these underlying conditions.
Factors Influencing Life Expectancy
Underlying Conditions: The root cause of neuropathy plays a significant role. For example, diabetic neuropathy, linked with diabetes, can impact life expectancy due to complications such as cardiovascular disease.
Severity of Neuropathy: Mild neuropathy with manageable symptoms may have little impact on life expectancy. However, severe neuropathy, especially when it leads to complications like infections or falls, can pose greater risks.
Management and Treatment: Effective management and treatment of neuropathy and its underlying cause can improve quality of life and potentially extend life expectancy. This includes controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes, treating infections promptly, and using medications to manage symptoms.
Types of Neuropathy
Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can manifest in various forms. In fact, there are more than 100 variations of neuropathy. These variations, such as carpal tunnel or dysphagia, can be categorized into four different types of neuropathy:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is the most prevalent type, affecting 50% of those with neuropathy. It commonly impacts the hands, feet, and legs. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, sharp pains, and muscle weakness. It is often linked with diabetes and other systemic diseases
2. Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, and bladder control. Symptoms can include dizziness, digestive issues, and urinary problems.
3. Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy affects a single nerve, typically in the head, hand, torso, or leg. This type of neuropathy often leads to sudden pain, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area.
A very common variation of this is known as “Multifocal Motor Neuropathy.” This variation has multiple focal points, hence the name, and affects more about motor neurons.
4. Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy is a rare type of neuropathy that affects the hips, buttocks, or thighs. This is known as proximal neuropathy because the term “proximal” in anatomy refers to things that are closer to the center of the body. Proximal neuropathy usually causes severe pain and can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to stand or walk. Like other neuropathies, it’s often caused by diabetes.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Neuropathy can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the nerve damage. Here are the most common symptoms:
Tingling and Numbness: Tingling and numbness often start in the hands and feet and can spread to the arms and legs. These sensations may feel like "pins and needles" and often interfere with daily activities.
Sharp, Burning Pain: Neuropathy can cause intense, often debilitating pain. This pain is typically described as burning, shooting, or stabbing.
Muscle Weakness: Damage to the nerves can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. This weakness can increases the risk of falls and injuries.
Loss of Coordination: Neuropathy can affect balance and coordination, leading to a higher risk of falls. This is particularly common in peripheral neuropathy, where the nerves in the feet are damaged.
Autonomic Symptoms: When neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves, it disrupts involuntary bodily functions. This results in symptoms such as general dizziness, digestive problems, urinary issues, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Sensory Changes: Neuropathy can lead to altered sensations, such as increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes. Some individuals may also experience a loss of sensation.
Factors That Can Make Neuropathy Worse
Neuropathy can worsen over time, especially if the underlying causes are not properly managed. The following factors exacerbate neuropathy symptoms:
Source: Verywell / JR Bee
Poor Blood Sugar Control: For those with diabetic neuropathy, high blood sugar levels can significantly worsen nerve damage. Maintaining tight blood sugar control is crucial to prevent further deterioration of nerve function.
Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic neuropathy, further damaging the nerves and worsening symptoms. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can help mitigate this risk.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can exacerbate neuropathy. Ensuring a balanced diet and taking supplements if necessary can support nerve health.
Exposure to Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, including heavy metals and some industrial chemicals, can damage nerves. Avoiding exposure to these substances can prevent worsening neuropathy.
Infections: Certain infections can cause or worsen neuropathy. Prompt treatment of infections is essential to prevent additional nerve damage. Conditions like Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C are known to affect nerve health.
Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can contribute to neuropathy. Managing these conditions through medication and lifestyle changes is crucial to preventing further nerve damage.
Physical Injury: Nerve injuries caused by accidents or repetitive stress can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms. Taking precautions to avoid injuries and using protective equipment can help minimize risks.
Smoking: Constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the peripheral nerves and worsening neuropathy symptoms. Quitting smoking is vital for improving circulation and nerve health.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Leads to uremic neuropathy due to the buildup of toxins in the body. Managing kidney health and undergoing regular dialysis if needed can help prevent further nerve damage.
Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Effectively managing neuropathy involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes aimed at alleviating symptoms, preventing further nerve damage, and improving overall quality of life.
Medical Treatments
Medications for managing neuropathy include various options to address different types of pain and underlying causes. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are effective for mild pain. Prescription medications like gabapentin, pregabalin, and duloxetine are commonly used to treat neuropathic pain. Topical treatments such as lidocaine patches or capsaicin creams provide localized pain relief.
Immunosuppressive drugs, including prednisone, azathioprine, and cyclosporine, can manage autoimmune-related neuropathy. Plasmapheresis, a process that involves removing blood, cleansing it of immune system cells and antibodies, and returning it to the body, is beneficial for severe autoimmune neuropathy.
Surgery may be necessary when neuropathy results from nerve compression, as surgical procedures can relieve this pressure. Additionally, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to alleviate pain by stimulating the nerves.
Lifestyle Changes
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients supports overall nerve health. Foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, such as B vitamins, are particularly beneficial. Exercise improves blood flow, strengthens muscles, and helps control blood sugar levels, all of which are crucial for managing neuropathy.
Limiting exposure to harmful substances, such as heavy metals and industrial chemicals, can prevent further nerve damage. Keeping a moderate body mass index (BMI) can reduce the risk of developing conditions that worsen neuropathy, like diabetes. Quitting smoking improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of nerve damage.
For diabetic neuropathy, strict control of blood sugar levels is essential to prevent further nerve damage and alleviate symptoms. Supplementing with vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can help address deficiencies that contribute to neuropathy.
Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture can help relieve neuropathic pain and improve overall well-being by stimulating specific points on the body. Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and improve mobility. Techniques such as relaxation therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage chronic pain and improve mental health.
Can You Reverse Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, while often chronic and progressive, can sometimes be reversible, particularly if the underlying cause is identified and treated early. Here are the key factors that influence the potential reversibility of neuropathy:
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
The sooner neuropathy is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of reversing or mitigating its effects. Early intervention can prevent further nerve damage and improve symptoms.
Treating Underlying Causes
Diabetes Management: In cases of diabetic neuropathy, controlling blood sugar levels is crucial. Effective diabetes management can slow the progression of neuropathy and, in some cases, reverse mild nerve damage.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Addressing deficiencies in vitamins such as B12 can help restore nerve health. Supplementation and dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in symptoms.
Infection Treatment: Treating infections that cause neuropathy, such as Lyme disease, can result in the improvement or reversal of neuropathy symptoms.
Autoimmune Diseases: For autoimmune-related neuropathy, treatments that suppress the immune system, such as immunosuppressive drugs, can help control symptoms and promote nerve healing.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in essential nutrients supports nerve health. Foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries and walnuts, and omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation and promote nerve repair.
Regular Exercise: Exercise enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and can stimulate nerve regeneration. Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga are beneficial.
Avoiding Toxins: Limiting exposure to harmful substances like heavy metals and certain chemicals can prevent further nerve damage and aid in recovery.
Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking improves blood circulation and helps prevent further nerve damage.
Medical Treatments
Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat autoimmune diseases or infections, can help reverse neuropathy. Additionally, pain management medications can improve quality of life, making it easier to engage in beneficial lifestyle changes.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength, improve mobility, and support nerve recovery. There are many different ways that peripheral neuropathy can happen, so this condition is common. For some people, peripheral neuropathy is temporary, treatable, or both. For others, it's permanent and incurable.
Supplements: Supplements such as B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine have been shown to support nerve health and, in some cases, promote nerve regeneration.
While neuropathy is not always reversible, especially in advanced stages, early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause can lead to significant improvements. Lifestyle changes and medical interventions can support nerve health and, in some cases, reverse the damage. Consulting with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan is crucial for managing and potentially reversing neuropathy.
Acupuncture for Neuropathy
Acupuncture has gained attention as a complementary treatment for neuropathy, as it is known to release endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and thus alleviate neuropathic pain. It also can enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and stimulate nerve repair, potentially improving nerve function and reducing symptoms. Watch this video for a more detailed response!
Research on Neuropathy
Neuropathy, a condition resulting from damaged nerves, can significantly impact quality of life. Recent research has explored its broader implications, including potential effects on lifespan. Here are three high-quality studies shedding light on this topic.
1. Mechanisms and Potential Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy
Recent studies by Sandra Rieger, Ph.D., at the MDI Biological Laboratory have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying peripheral neuropathy. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that targeting specific enzymes could reverse nerve damage. This is significant because untreated neuropathy, especially when linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, can contribute to severe complications and potentially impact lifespan. By focusing on the repair and regeneration of damaged nerves, new treatments may not only alleviate symptoms but also improve overall longevity and health outcomes for patients with neuropathy.
2. Diagnostic Advances and Early Detection in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
A comprehensive review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology highlights the importance of early detection and precise treatment in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN is a prevalent complication of diabetes and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to its role in causing diabetic foot ulcers and lower limb amputations. Early detection techniques and personalized medicine approaches could mitigate these risks, potentially extending the lifespan of affected individuals by preventing severe complications. The study emphasizes that better management and early intervention are crucial in improving life expectancy for those with DPN.
3. Autonomic Dysfunction in Peripheral Neuropathy
An article in Neurological Research and Practice discusses how peripheral neuropathy, particularly when it involves autonomic dysfunction, can impact various bodily functions, thereby influencing overall health and lifespan. Autonomic dysfunction can lead to issues such as orthostatic intolerance, cardiovascular problems, and gastrointestinal disturbances, all of which can significantly affect mortality. Understanding the distribution and type of symptoms helps in tailoring treatments that address these life-threatening aspects, thereby potentially improving the longevity of patients with neuropathy.
Conclusion
While neuropathy primarily affects nerve function, its broader implications, particularly in severe cases or when associated with chronic diseases like diabetes, can indeed influence lifespan. Advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms, early detection, and personalized treatment approaches are essential steps toward mitigating these risks and improving the quality and duration of life for individuals with neuropathy.
Solutions For You
At HOPE, we provide high-quality acupuncture that’s perfect for those who deal with neuropathy! Feel free to sign up below if you live near San Jose, CA, and we’ll get you started right away! Read our patient testimonials to learn about others' experiences at HOPE if you haven’t experienced therapeutic acupuncture before.
FAQ
Why is my neuropathy worse when I lay down?
Neuropathy symptoms can intensify when lying down due to increased pressure on nerves and reduced blood flow. At night, the lack of distractions can also make pain more noticeable. Elevating your legs and using supportive pillows can help alleviate symptoms.
Can you get disability for neuropathy?
Yes, neuropathy can qualify for disability benefits if it significantly impairs your ability to work. You must provide medical evidence showing how neuropathy affects your daily activities and job performance. Check with your local disability office for specific criteria and application processes.
Can a chiropractor help neuropathy?
Chiropractic care can help manage neuropathy symptoms by improving spinal alignment and nerve function. While it may not cure neuropathy, treatments like spinal adjustments and physical therapy can reduce pain and enhance mobility.
Can scoliosis cause neuropathy?
Yes, scoliosis can cause neuropathy by compressing or irritating spinal nerves. This can lead to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and pain in the limbs. Proper management of scoliosis is essential to prevent or alleviate neuropathy symptoms.
Can you get disability for neuropathy in your feet?
Yes, neuropathy in your feet can qualify for disability benefits if it severely limits your ability to perform work-related tasks. Detailed medical records and documentation of your condition's impact on your daily life are crucial for a successful disability claim.
What are the best shoes for neuropathy?
The best shoes for neuropathy provide ample support, cushioning, and a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the feet. Look for shoes with soft, flexible materials, and avoid tight or restrictive footwear. Orthotic inserts can also help enhance comfort and support.
Does massaging feet help neuropathy?
Massaging feet can help alleviate neuropathy symptoms by improving blood circulation and reducing tension. Gentle foot massages can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for long-term management strategies.
How much does neuropathy treatment cost?
The cost of neuropathy treatment varies widely depending on the type and duration of treatment. Medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Check with your healthcare provider and insurance for specific costs and coverage.
Can anxiety cause peripheral neuropathy?
No. But, anxiety can exacerbate peripheral neuropathy symptoms by increasing stress and muscle tension, which can worsen pain and discomfort. Managing anxiety through therapy, relaxation techniques, and medications can help reduce neuropathy symptoms.
Can toenail fungus cause neuropathy?
Toenail fungus itself does not cause neuropathy, but the infections can lead to complications that may affect nerve health, especially in individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems. Proper treatment of toenail fungus is essential to prevent such complications.
Does Medicare cover laser treatment for neuropathy?
Medicare may cover laser treatment for neuropathy if deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider. Coverage can vary, so it's important to check with Medicare directly or consult with your healthcare provider for detailed information on eligibility and costs.
Does red light therapy help neuropathy?
Red light therapy is being explored as a treatment for neuropathy, with some studies suggesting it may help reduce pain and inflammation. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
