Neuropathic pain is often difficult to control. Mild pain may sometimes be alleviated by analgesics sold over the counter. Several classes of drugs have recently proved helpful to many patients suffering from more severe forms of chronic neuropathic pain. These include mexiletine, a drug developed to correct irregular heart rhythms (sometimes associated with severe side effects); several antiepileptic drugs, including gabapentin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine; and some classes of antidepressants, including tricyclics such as amitriptyline. Injections of local anesthetics such as lidocaine or topical patches containing lidocaine may relieve more intractable pain. In the most severe cases, doctors can surgically destroy nerves; however, the results are often temporary and the procedure can lead to complications.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a component of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has primary responsibility for research on peripheral neuropathy. Current research projects funded by the NINDS involve investigations of genetic factors associated with hereditary neuropathies, studies of biological mechanisms involved in diabetes-associated neuropathies, efforts to gain greater understanding of how the immune system contributes to peripheral nerve damage, and efforts to develop new therapies for neuropathic symptoms.
Because specific genetic defects have been identified for only a fraction of the known hereditary neuropathies, the Institute sponsors studies to identify other genetic defects that may cause these conditions. Presymptomatic diagnosis may lead to therapies for preventing nerve damage before it occurs, and gene replacement therapies could be developed to prevent or reduce cumulative nerve damage.
Several NINDS-funded studies are investigating some of the possible biological mechanisms responsible for the many forms of neuropathy, including the autonomic neuropathies that affect people with diabetes. The Institute also is funding studies to measure the frequency and progression rates of diabetic neuropathies, examine the effects of these disorders on quality of life, and identify factors that may put certain individuals at greater risk for developing diabetes-associated neuropathies.
Scientists have found that the destructive effects of abnormal immune system activity cause many neuropathies for which a cause could not previously be identified. However, the exact biological mechanisms that lead to this nerve damage are not yet well understood. Many NINDS-sponsored studies are studying inflammatory neuropathies, both in research animals and in humans, to clarify these mechanisms so that therapeutic interventions can be developed.
Neuropathic pain is a primary target of NINDS-sponsored studies aimed at developing more effective therapies for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Some scientists hope to identify substances that will block the brain chemicals that generate pain signals, while others are investigating the pathways by which pain signals reach the brain.
Studies of neurotrophic factors represent one of the most promising areas of research aimed at finding new, more effective treatments for peripheral neuropathies. These substances, produced naturally by the body, protect neurons from injury and encourage their survival. Neurotrophic factors also help maintain normal function in mature nerve cells, and some stimulate axon regeneration. Several NINDS-sponsored studies seek to learn more about the effects of these powerful chemicals on the peripheral nervous system and may eventually lead to treatments that can reverse nerve damage and cure peripheral nerve disorders.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/detail_peripheralneuropathy.htm#84443208
2007-09-06 11:57:08
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answer #1
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answered by nochocolate 7
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For the best answers, search on this site https://smarturl.im/aD1ow
I too am going through the same thing. But unlike you I can not walk more than a half a block before I am in so much pain, I can't walk at all. I was in the hospital 4 weeks ago they ran every test known to man, and could not come up with a solution. I had a Vascular surgeon, Neurologist, foot doctor, and a diabetic doctor look at them. They were all stomped with the pain in the ankles and across the top of the feet. The Diabetes doctor said that part of it was Enumerator, but the pain in the ankles and top of the foot wasn't. I have to see a doctor today, he suppose to give me some kind of pain medicine for it. When they released me from the hospital the gave me Peracet, but that you can't take all the time. It kills the pain and makes you sleepy. I advise you to go back to your doctor and tell him what you are now taking isn't working any more and you need something else, perhaps something more stronger. I am not able to work because of it. If you find a answer please let me know, I will do the same if I receive something that works.
2016-04-13 05:52:40
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answer #2
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answered by ? 4
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This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Periperal Neuropathy pain!! Help!! I have pins sticking, electric bolts going through my feet. Help!!?
I have been diagnosed with periperal neuropathy, I am presently taking cymbalta and neuronton. It has not been that effective, I still suffer miserably with pain. Has anyone been successfully treated??
2015-08-18 19:34:37
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I assume that your neuropathy in your feet is the result of diabetes. The only thing that has helped as far as I know is a good vitamin B suppliment taken daily . This can mask a pernicious anemia however so have your M.D. check you for that first. I believe there was some research being done on surgical release of nerves but don't have any direct information as to whether that is being actively pursued. The American Diabetes Association might be able to direct you somewhere for further info. The only other thing that helps is keeping very tight control on your blood sugars and some massage might help relieve your symptoms temporarily.
2007-09-06 11:57:23
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answer #4
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answered by Mama Mia 7
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Home Treatment For Neuropathy
2016-04-25 01:50:49
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Deb, I was diagnosed with this monster awhile back !!!!! I might be able to help. It's really a try and see basis. I was given cymbalta but it made me toooooo tempermental !!! I had to drop it. I couldn't tell, after taking it for six mo. Neuronton messed with my memory. It's just anybody's guess what some of these brain altering drugs side effects are. We HAVE to try because it is sooooooooooooo bad !!!!! I picked up a bottle of "Diabet Aid lotion" at my local $ store for $2.00 !!!!! I try it all, to get some reliefe. I rubbed my feet and legs with it ""IT WAS GONE, I REPEAT GONE" in ten minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT when I went back to the SAME $ store, there was none to be found!!! Not even an empty spot for it!!! They said it had probebly been sent to them from a close out or ?????? Well, THANK GOD there was a 1-800 # on the bottle!!!!! My DRS. are now bying it from the pharmaceuticle company for other patients !!!!!!!!!!!! Be SURE and have your sugar levels checked and ask your DR. about b-12 shots. The shots HELP nerve pain. once a wk. will do. CVS drug stores are supposed to have it. Here's your info: "Diabet Aid Lotion", 1-800-952-5080, Del Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is $35.00 or so dollars for 4 bottles. Check ALL your'e retail stores FIRST !!! It's 0.025 % capsaicin (hot pepper) cream, it doesn't burn or smell at all.in a 4 oz. bottle. I tried other brands with this same "capsaicin" amount in it and they helped maybe a little, But NOTHING as good as my Diabet-Aid !!!!! good luck !!!!! I KNOW HOW MUCH IT HURRRTTTSSSSSS!!!!! This cheap lotion has done MUCH MORE than all my DRS. have!!! I'm trying to spread the word. If you get the relief I did, maybe you can too! I'ts not perfect everytime but I'm able to live again ! I think God had everything to do with this. Good luck & God Bless !!!!!
2007-09-06 12:57:59
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answer #6
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answered by Dixie 2
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2014-11-24 13:47:18
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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The short presentation below will reveal to you a little known neuropathy curing secret that has travelled over thousands of miles, to not only improving your current nerve pain symptoms, but completely eradicating them…permanently.
2015-02-10 10:52:10
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Hi Deb
I have neuropathy due to MS..I have been helped greatly by the cymbalta..It did take a month to fully take affect but boy what a help it has been
I know how painful it can be, I was ready to amputate a couple of toes with no anesthetic because i thought it would be less painful !
good luck to you hope you find something to help
2007-09-08 17:12:38
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answer #9
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answered by r j 5
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Pain from neuropathy can greatly affect your daily activities and quality of life. For some, the pain and changes required to manage it can lead to physical and mental stress. Watch for signs of depression and talk to your health care team or a mental health care professional about managing your feelings. However, you can treat it with healthy and simple ways by yourself! Read more here:
2015-02-11 08:22:14
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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I'm not sure how long ago you were diagnosed and began treatment, but it may take several weeks to see the full effects of those medications, especially with neurontin. It needs to be titrated up slowly, to give time for your body to adjust to the side effects. You may need to get to doses as high as 900mg, three times a day, or even more. Be patient, and I hope it works out for you.
2007-09-06 11:46:57
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answer #11
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answered by Rob W 2
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