Nerve Problems or Neuropathy in Vacaville

Your nerves are responsible for how you sense, feel, and move your body. There are 2 parts of the nervous system: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord while the peripheral nervous system is made of all the other nerves. They are responsible for transmitting information between the brain and the body.

When there is damage to the nerves, this is called "peripheral neuropathy". This will cause problems to your feeling, sensing, and moving. Cancer or the associated treatment can cause peripheral neuropathy in Vacaville. Some of the other causes include diabetes, thyroid problems, inherited conditions, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

problems that can be caused by peripheral neuropathy in Vacaville

Your specific problem depends on the affected nerves. These are some of the problems caused by peripheral neuropathy.

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness, tingling, or pain especially in the hands or feet

If you experience any of the problems mentioned above, then talk to your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of nerve problems

Nerve problems or neuropathy, vary from person-to-person. The severity of your problem depends on which nerves are damaged as well as how many of them are affected.

You may already have nerve problems when you were doing your cancer treatment or a short time afterward. They may even worsen after your treatment ends.

Nerves that could be affected

There are 3 types of nerves that are responsible for transmitting information to your brain and spinal cord. Check out how nerve problems can affect them:

1. Sensory nerves. These nerves are responsible for your sense of feeling. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause the following problems to your hands and feet:
   • A tight feeling, similar to wearing tight gloves or stockings.
   • A pain that feels like a burning sensation, electric shocks, pinching, or sharp stabs. Even wearing shoes or bed covers can cause pain, when they normally do not.
   • Burning, numbness, tingling, or a buzzing "electric" feeling. These symptoms start off in the toes and later in the fingertips. They can go on along the hands and feet toward the center of the body.
   • Discomfort that worsens when you touch something.
   • Unable to feel hot and cold temperatures or unaware that you've hurt yourself.
   • Difficulty knowing where your hands and feet are in space.
2. Motor nerves. These nerves transmit messages between your brain and muscles. When motor nerves are damaged, it can cause the following problems:
   • Difficulty in walking and moving.
   • Difficulty in using hands and arms. You will be having problems when doing your normal daily tasks.
   • Heavy or weak feeling in the arms or legs. Maintaining your balance can even be difficult or your will have coordination problems.
   • Muscle cramps in the hands or feet. Your muscles might even go smaller.
3. Autonomic nerves. These nerves control the body functions you don't have to think about. This includes keeping your bladder, bowels, and blood pressure working normally. These are the problems that can happen:
   • Dizziness of lightheadedness
   • Trouble swallowing
   • Sexual problems
   • Urinary problems
   • Digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea
   • Unable to sweat normally

If you experience any of the problems or there have been some changes on the problems you've had for a while, contact your health care team right away. For this instance, you can get in touch with Dr. Alex Tam of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine to help you with your neuropathy. Just dial (707) 474-5688 and make an appointment today!