Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves.

These nerves form an extensive network connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, including the muscles, skin, and internal organs. When these nerves are damaged, they can't transmit messages effectively, leading to a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the type and location of the affected nerves.

Neuropathy can affect a single nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves (polyneuropathy), with polyneuropathy being the most common form.

While often associated with diabetes, neuropathy can stem from numerous other causes, impacting quality of life significantly.

The symptoms of neuropathy are diverse and depend on which nerves are affected (sensory, motor, or autonomic).

They can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or suddenly.

Sensory Nerve Damage Symptoms:

Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations (paresthesia) in the hands or feet, often spreading upwards into the arms and legs.

Sharp, shooting, throbbing, or burning pain.

Extreme sensitivity to touch, where even light contact can cause severe pain.

Lack of coordination and falling.

Temperature intolerance, especially to heat.

Motor Nerve Damage Symptoms:

Muscle weakness.

Loss of muscle control or muscle wasting.

Paralysis (in severe cases).

Twitching or cramping.

Autonomic Nerve Damage Symptoms:

Heat intolerance and problems with sweating (too much or too little).

Bowel or bladder problems (constipation, diarrhea, incontinence).

Digestive difficulties (nausea, vomiting, bloating).

Dizziness or lightheadedness due to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).

Sexual dysfunction.

Difficulty breathing.

Irregular heartbeat.

Neuropathy can be caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from chronic diseases to infections and genetic conditions.

Diabetes: The most common cause, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time.

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) can attack nerve tissue.

Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, shingles (herpes zoster), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, diphtheria, and HIV.

Trauma or Injury: Physical injury, pressure on a nerve (e.g., from a cast, repetitive motion, or tumor), or accidents can damage nerves.

Tumors: Both cancerous and non-cancerous growths can press on nerves or arise from nerve cells.

Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of B vitamins (B1, B6, B9/folate, B12) and vitamin E can lead to nerve damage.

Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nerve damage due to poor nutritional habits and direct toxic effects on nerves.

Exposure to Toxins: Industrial chemicals, heavy metals (lead, mercury), and certain pesticides.

Kidney or Liver Disease: These conditions can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body that damage nerves.

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can cause fluid retention that puts pressure on nerves.

Genetic or Inherited Disorders: Conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Certain Medications: Chemotherapy drugs, some heart and blood pressure medications, and others can have neuropathy as a side effect.

Idiopathic: In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.

Diagnosing neuropathy involves a comprehensive approach, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.

Medical History and Physical Exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical conditions, medications, lifestyle, and family history. A physical exam will assess your reflexes, sensation, muscle strength, and balance.

Neurological Examination: This may include specific tests to evaluate nerve function.

Blood Tests: To check for underlying conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver dysfunction, thyroid problems, and autoimmune disorders.

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS):

NCS: Measures the speed and strength of electrical signals as they travel along nerves.

EMG: Records electrical activity in muscles to detect nerve damage.

Nerve Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of nerve tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope to identify the cause of nerve damage.

Skin Biopsy: To assess the density of small nerve fibers, particularly useful for diagnosing small fiber neuropathy.

Imaging Tests: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scans may be used to look for nerve compression, tumors, or other structural abnormalities.

Treatment for neuropathy focuses on managing the underlying cause, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life.

Concord Stem Cell Limited, with its expertise in stem cell therapy, offers a promising avenue for certain types of neuropathy, particularly those unresponsive to conventional treatments.

Conventional Treatments:

Addressing the Underlying Cause: This is paramount. For instance, managing blood sugar in diabetes, treating infections, correcting vitamin deficiencies, or discontinuing problematic medications.

Pain Management:

Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for mild pain.

Prescription medications: Antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and anti-seizure medications (gabapentin, pregabalin) are often effective for neuropathic pain.

Topical treatments: Creams, patches, and gels containing capsaicin or lidocaine.

Physical Therapy: To improve strength, balance, and coordination, and to reduce pain.

Occupational Therapy: To help adapt to daily activities and maintain independence.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Healthy Diet: Balanced nutrition to support nerve health.

Regular Exercise: Improves blood flow and overall well-being.

Avoiding Alcohol and Smoking: Both can worsen nerve damage.

Foot Care: Especially for diabetic neuropathy, to prevent complications like ulcers.

Assistive Devices: Braces, splints, or special footwear to aid mobility and prevent injuries.

Stem Cell Therapy at Concord Stem Cell Limited:

Concord Stem Cell Limited, as the only DGDA Approved Stem Cell Manufacturer and Provider Lab in Bangladesh with a cGMP Facility, specializes in producing high-quality autologous and allogeneic stem cell products. Oursignature product, Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSC), holds significant promise for certain types of neuropathy.

How Stem Cells May Help Neuropathy:

Regeneration and Repair: MSCs have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, including nerve cells or supporting cells, potentially aiding in the regeneration and repair of damaged nerves.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: MSCs can modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which often plays a role in nerve damage.

Neurotrophic Support: They secrete growth factors and cytokines that promote nerve survival, growth, and function.

Immunomodulation: In autoimmune neuropathies, MSCs can help to suppress the autoimmune attack on nerves.

Angiogenesis: MSCs can promote the formation of new blood vessels, improving blood flow to damaged nerve tissue.

Concord Stem Cell Limited's Approach:

Concord Stem Cell Limited's cGMP facility ensures the highest standards of safety and efficacy for stem cell products.

We focus on both autologous (from the patient's own body) and allogeneic (from a donor, like hUC-MSC) products allows for tailored treatment approaches based on the individual patient's condition and needs.

For neuropathy,

hUC-MSC's strong regenerative and immunomodulatory properties make them a particularly attractive option.

Patients considering stem cell therapy for neuropathy at Concord Stem Cell Limited will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for this advanced treatment.