- The most important factor in treating neuropathy is addressing the underlying condition that has caused it. If the disease that is producing nerve damage can be properly diagnosed and stabilized, the nerves often repair themselves. When no cure is available, symptoms of neuropathy may be treated with a combination of medication, physical therapy and general lifestyle improvements
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Treatment of the Underlying Disease
As discussed, there are many illnesses which can cause damage to the nerves. If it is clear what specifically is causing the neuropathy, the primary way to halt and even reverse existing nerve damage is by treating this underlying condition. In diabetic neuropathies, regulating blood sugar levels is critical to prevent further nerve damage. For neuropathies attributed to alcoholism or malnutrition, the patient will need to abstain from drinking and improve their diet in order to reincorporate missing nutrients into their bodies. Where damage is a result of trauma, recovery may require surgery, physical therapy, or perhaps just time to let the body heal. If nerve damage has been attributed to toxins or pharmaceuticals, every effort should be made to discontinue exposure. When neuropathy is caused by such incurable diseases as cancer and HIV, the only option is to try and keep symptoms in check. Unfortunately, there are no known cures for genetic neuropathies and treatment will be symptomatic only.
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