What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Our nervous system comprises a complex network of nerves fibers that sends out and receives signals from other structures of the body. This signal exchange is vital for regulatory, defense and overall homeostasis of the body.

The nervous system is generally composed of two major parts: The central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which involves any nerves outside the central nervous system.

The central nervous system functions as the main processor of the whole nervous system and controls all bodily functions. The peripheral nerves on the other hand have two segments. One segment sends out nerve signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, organs and other bodily structures. The other segment sends back signals from the joints, skin and other organs back to the central nervous system. 

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of peripheral nerves and does not involve the spinal cord and brain. There are several causes that can damage the peripheral nerves like cancer, vitamin deficiency,  alchololism and many more.

The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a major concern because it mainly involves legs and feet. 50% of all foot amputations are due to this condition.

How does diabetic neuropathy occur?

Our nerves and blood vessels work hand in hand to function properly. The blood vessels supply nourishment to the nerves and the nerves give out signals to the brain whether to increase or decrease blood flow to a certain area of the body. In diabetes mellitus, the blood vessels especially the small distal blood vessels get obstructed, minimizing blood flow, this is called microvasculinization. This causes the nerves to malfunction and fail to send important sensory messages to the brain.

Of all the structures of the body, the foot is most prone to this condition because it is most distal to the heart. Decreased sensory function on the foot is dangerous and can be fatal if not treated properly.

First of all, small cuts or blisters could not be felt by a patient with neuropathy of the foot. Since there is minimal blood supply to the foot, there is delayed would healing. This will cause opportunistic bacterium that normally live on the skin to flourish and can infect the wound without the patient knowing it. And since diabetics have high sugar content in the blood, this is a perfect medium for bacterial growth and can lead to septicemia. Septicemia is a life threatening condition where a bacterium are able to penetrate and live within the circulatory system, overwhelming the body’s immune system.