New Break Through in the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy-Plasma exchange:

Peripheral neuropathy is due to damage of the nerves. It mostly effects the feet and in some instances the hands as well. Neuropathy causes pain, burning, tingling, pins and needles and electric shock sensations. Many people with this condition also experience balance problems. In most cases neuropathy cannot be cured. Various treatments are used to reduce discomfort and slow the progression of the nerve damage. Treatments include medications such as Neurontin and Lyrica. Nutritional supplements such as Nerve Health Essential Nutrients which contain Vitamin B, B12, alpha lipoic and acetyl-l-carnitine. Other treatments for neuropathy include infrared light therapy (DPL Light therapy), laser treatments, acupuncture and topical preparations such as Nerve Relief Cream, Biofreeze, Sombra and Neuragen.

Recently a new treatment has become available for nerve disorders including peripheral neuropathy. The treatment is called Plasma Exchange Therapy. This procedure involves separating the blood, exchanging the plasma and transfusing the other components (primarily red blood cells) to the patient.

Plasma exchange is now being used for a variety of neurological conditions included multiple sclerosis and Myasthenia gravis. Plasma exchange therapy is also used for treating different types of peripheral neuropathy. Strong evidence shows that plasma exchange helps treat demyelinating neuropathies. Myelin is the protective layer that coats all nerves.

Demyelinating neuropathies are those in which the nerve’s protective covers is “stripped away”-usually by the body’s own immune system. Two such neuropathies are Guillian-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIPD). Granted these are rarer neuropathies. More common causes of neuropathy include diabetes, adverse effects of chemotherapy, spinal problems, alcoholism, exposure to certain chemicals and medications, nutritional imbalances, injury, HIV/AIDS and inherited conditions. It is extremely encouraging that many research centers around the country are focusing in treating peripheral neuropathy. The guidelines of this particular treatment, plasma exchange therapy, were developed by the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Key words:

Peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage, nerve disease, neuropathy pain, neuropathy numbness, nutritional supplement for neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy treatment, diabetes and neuropathy.

Products mentioned in the article:

Nerve Health Essential Nutrients, Nerve Health Relief Cream, Neuragen, Sombra, Nerve Health Alpha Lipoic, DPL Light Therapy