Treating neuropathy early
PERIPHERAL neuropathy describes a group of conditions in which the peripheral nervous system is impaired or damaged.
It is associated with a broad range of symptoms that vary according to the severity of disease and the specific nerves involved – motor, sensory or autonomic.
Symptoms of neuropathy can be divided into two categories:
Positive symptoms typically reflect inappropriate spontaneous nerve activity which causes uncomfortable and painful sensations which include increased sensitivity to touch, sharp pains, extreme sensitivity to pain, pain to a non-painful stimuli, “pins and needles” and burning pain.
Negative symptoms are those associated with a loss of sensation which include reduced sensitivity to pain, loss of sensation, numbness and reduced sense of touch.
The timing and clinical presentation of the development of neuropathy in sufferers or at risk people vary widely, therefore preventative and treatment measures should be started early. When approximately 50% or more of nerve fibres are damaged, the point of no return occurs wherein regeneration is no longer possible.
Therefore, it is important to recognise nerve damage and to avoid the point of no return through early treatment and preventative measures.
When nerves are extensively damaged, the symptoms and reduced functioning can seriously impact quality of life.
Benefits of vitamin B in nerve care
Neurotropic vitamins B1, B6 and B12 contribute to nerve care via different biochemical mechanisms. They nourish and help regenerate nerves.
Each of these B vitamins has been found to have unique essential roles, which contributes to nerve function.
Vitamin B1 is involved in energy metabolism, helps in maintaining the myelin sheath which covers the axon of nerves, and in the synthesis of key signalling molecules in the nervous system known as neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (key signalling molecules in the nervous system).
Vitamin B12 is involved in nerve cell maturation and regeneration, nerve cell metabolism and formation of nerve myelin sheaths. Neurobion is a health supplement that contains neurotropic vitamins B1, B6 and B12. They work synergistically and are vital for keeping nerves healthy.
If you are at risk of becoming deficient in vitamins B1, B6 and B12, you may need to supplement your diet with Neurobion. It is clinically tested to nourish the nerve cells, help improve nerve function and relieve nerve pain.
As part of the continuous initiatives to raise awareness on the importance of healthy nerves, Merck provides nerve test using biothesiometer at selected pharmacies nationwide. It encourages consumers to take the first step in identifying possible nerve damage and seek further medical consultation or treatment if needed.