Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is caused when many peripheral nerves throughout the body malfunction at the same time. It is caused by a wide variety of conditions, including exposure to certain toxins, poor nutrition (particularly vitamin B deficiency), and complications from diseases such as cancer or kidney failure. It is also very common in diabetes and prolonged HIV infection.

The neuropathy seen in diabetes is the result of poorly controlled blood sugar levels. In HIV, the mechanism of action of the neuropathy is not well understood, but thought to potentially be two-fold: Either stemming from a direct or indirect action of the HIV virus on the peripheral nerves, or as a result of some of the more common medications used to treat HIV infection.

Often, patients with neuropathy complain of tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles feeling, and/or burning pain and loss of sensation in the legs and feet. Because people with neuropathy often lose their protective sensations (their ability to sense things like temperature and pain) they can burn themselves without realizing it and develop open sores as the result of injury or prolonged pressure. Joints are particularly vulnerable to stress in people with polyneuropathy because they are often insensitive to pain.

If you have Diabetes or HIV and think you may be experiencing symptoms of Neuropathy, we are currently enrolling patients into an investigational study examining the effects of a new, promising medication that helps treat the symptoms of neuropathy. If you would like to find out more information about this study, please contact us.