Infections
Viral and bacterial infections also cause neuropathy. HIV, shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis, diphtheria, and leprosy are among the types of conditions that commonly lead to nerve damage.
Infections may propose various involvements in the symptoms of pain, numbness, and other strange sensations that neuropathy patients typically experience. First, the infective agent may directly cause nerve damage due to inflammation. Second, infections may trigger an immune response to attack the nerves. And lastly, the treatments used against infection may cause neuropathy.
Due to the vast network of peripheral nerves that may be affected by an infection, neuropathy symptoms may vary. The symptoms depend on the type of infection and the stage or phase the patient is in. It may come as a tingling sensation, burning pain, cramping, or muscle weakness. But whatever the symptoms, patients must get treatment as early as possible after undergoing a diagnostic procedure to improve their prognosis.
Although neuropathy caused by infections is quite common, they are often preventable and treatable as long as the underlying cause has been ruled out.
