Treating neuropathy before the point of no return
NERVES are essential for bodily functions and have a range of roles in sensing and processing stimuli, then signalling other tissues to respond, such as the involuntary muscle movement that occurs when you burn a finger on a hot pan. The peripheral nervous system refers to nerves other than the brain and spinal cord, and consists of billions of nerve cells known as neuron.
The peripheral nervous system has two parts – the somatic and autonomic systems. The somatic nervous system consists of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to sensory neurons, which detect sensory inputs such as temperature and pain, and to motor neurons in skeletal muscles, which control body movement. The autonomic system connects the brain and spinal cord to internal organs and regulates bodily processes that require no conscious effort, such as your heartbeat and blood pressure.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
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. Causes uncomfortable and painful
sensations that include increased sensitivity to touch, sharp pain, extreme sensitivity to pain, pain to non-painful stimuli, “pins and needles” and burning pain.
Negative symptoms are those associated with a loss of sensation, including reduced sensitivity to pain, loss of sensation, numbness and reduced perception of touch.
The timing and clinical presentation of the development of neuropathy in sufferers or at-risk patients 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, where regeneration is no longer possible.
Therefore, it is important to recognise nerve damage and avoid that point of no return with early treatment and preventative measures. When nerves are damaged extensively, the symptoms and reduced functioning can seriously impact quality of life.
For example, the painful sensations associated with nerve damage, which usually get worse at night, can cause sleep disturbances and increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. There are also autonomic symptoms that should be monitored, such as abnormal sweating and impotence.
Populations at risk of peripheral neuropathy
There are many potential causes of peripheral neuropathy, including chronic disease, environmental toxins, alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies, genetics or the side effects of some medications. In more than 20% of peripheral neuropathy cases, the cause of neuropathy may remain unknown.
Among chronic disease cases, diabetes is the most frequent cause. Peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Although diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and despite causing significant morbidities, including foot ulcers and amputations, it is not well recognised.
Nutritional deficiencies in the neurotropic vitamins – vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, can also lead to peripheral neuropathy. Populations who are at risk of neuropathy caused by nutritional deficiencies include those with malnutrition, malabsorption, increased requirements and increased loss, such as people with gastrointestinal diseases, advanced age and more.
Patients who have had bariatric surgery can also develop vitamin B deficiency states and subsequent neurological symptoms if not monitored and supplemented with neurotropic B vitamins. The overall prevalence and
impact of peripheral neuropathy increases with age and therefore is likely to increase as the population ages.
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 contribute to nerve function.
Vitamin B1 is involved in energy metabolism, maintaining the myelin sheath (which covers the axon of nerves), and the synthesis of key signalling molecules in the nervous system, which are known as neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. 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 has been clinically tested to nourish nerve cells, improve nerve function and relieve nerve pain. Take Neurobion today to help your nerves stay healthy and keeping the tingling and numbness at bay.
As part as its continuous initiative to raise awareness on the importance of healthy nerves, Procter & Gamble is providing nerve tests using biothesiometers at selected pharmacies nationwide. It hopes to encourage consumers to take the first step in identifying possible nerve damage and seek further medical consultation or treatment if needed. For more information on the event, visit or email chmymmal.im@pg.com.
The information contained in this article is not intended or designed to diagnose, prevent, treat or provide a cure for any condition or disease, ascertain the state of your health or be substituted for medical care. Procter & Gamble encourages you to seek the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns arising from the information in this article.
This is a medicine product advertisement.
KKLIU No.1943/2017. MYS-NEU-1708-0123(1)