Peripheral Neuropathy: Understanding, Causes, and Treatment

Introduction

• Peripheral neuropathy is a painful and sometimes disabling condition affecting millions worldwide.
• Dr. Ken Berry discusses potential methods to slow, stop, reverse, or cure neuropathy.
• Important to share knowledge about this pervasive condition with friends and family.

Ineffective Treatments

• External applications (creams, salves, lotions) do not address the root cause.
• Reducing salt or saturated fat intake is not beneficial and is contrary to neurological needs.
• Multivitamins or nerve support formulas are largely ineffective unless correcting a specific deficiency.
• Prescription medications (e.g., Lyrica, Neurontin, Amitriptyline, Tegretol) only mask symptoms and have probable side effects.

Rare Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

• Alcoholism, amyloidosis, chemotherapy, heavy metal toxicity.
• Conditions such as porphyria, autoimmune disorders, B12 deficiency, idiopathic polyneuropathy.
• Diseases like cancer (paraneoplastic syndromes), Lyme disease, sarcoidosis, and small vessel vasculitis.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

• Diabetes and Hyperglycemia: Major causes including pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes can lead to neuropathy.
• Chronic Hyperinsulinemia: Part of metabolic syndrome, leading to neuropathy.
• Chronic Inappropriate Inflammation: Affects small nerve endings, often due to diet or other factors.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Immune system attacking nerve endings.

Pathophysiology

• Hyperglycemia causes glycation of myelin sheath proteins, leading to immune system attacks and nerve damage.
• Chronic inflammation and autoimmune reactions contribute to nerve damage.

Diagnostic Testing

• Initial Tests: Hemoglobin A1c, C-Peptide, Complete Metabolic Panel, Urinalysis, CBC with differential, Sed Rate, CRP.
• Specific Tests: Vitamin B12 level, Complete Thyroid Panel, GGT, Hepatitis Panel, VDRL (for syphilis), Heavy Metal Testing.
• Advanced Tests: Electrodiagnostic studies, nerve/skin biopsies if initial tests inconclusive.

Effective Treatments

• Dietary Changes: Low carbohydrate diets, keto, or carnivore diets to reduce blood sugar spikes.
• Nutrient Support: Ensure adequate intake of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D (preferably D3), and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fasting: Intermittent fasting, increasing to 14-20 hours daily, can aid in symptom improvement.

Important Considerations

• Nerve regeneration is slow; improvements may take weeks or months.
• Chronic symptoms can lead to severe life impacts, emphasizing the importance of effective management strategies.

Conclusion

• Dr. Berry emphasizes the importance of proactive dietary management and fasting as key strategies in managing peripheral neuropathy.
• Encourages viewers to subscribe for more videos on health topics.