Suffering From Neuropathy Disease? Read the Handbook of Peripheral Neuropathy Disease
The Link Between Celiac Disease and Neuropathy Disease
Celiac disease is characterized by sensitivity to gluten (an ingredient found in wheat and grains). It is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the small intestine. Villi are fingerlike projections on the surface of the small intestine which we need because it absorbs nutrients. When a person is allergic to gluten, or, has Celiac disease, the villi in the small intestine flatten. Without villi a person becomes malnourished no matter how much food he or she consumes. If left untreated, Celiac disease can cause other serious illnesses like cancer, seizures, etc. So what is the link between Celiac disease and peripheral neuropathy disease? A study showed that 10% people who had Celiac disease were first diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy disease a disease characterized by jerky movements or uncontrollable, involuntary movements of the body. Doctors concluded that people with peripheral neuropathy disease should also be checked for Celiac disease.
Accurate Localization within the Peripheral Nervous System is Crucial to Treating Neuropathy Disease
Mark B. Bromberg suggests in The Handbook of Peripheral Neuropathy Disease that there are seven layers of diagnostic evaluation or simply, seven things to look for or seven questions to ask when diagnosing someone with neuropathy disease. These are direct quotes from his book on Page 3 Table 1.1 for your reference:
1) First Layer: Is it within the peripheral nervous system?2) Second Layer: What part of the nervous system is affected?3) Third Layer: What is the time course?4) Fourth Layer: What nerve fibers are involved?5) Fifth Layer: What is the primary pathology?6) Sixth Layer: What are the other pertinent features?7) Seventh Layer: What are the epidemiologic features?
Bromberg gives an explanation next to each question so that both doctors and patients can understand what is being asked. By providing these questions, it makes patients know what symptoms to pay attention to in their own body.
The Handbook of Peripheral Neuropathy Disease is for Doctors and Patients
The handbook, written by Mark B. Bromberg, is a great guide to understanding neuropathological diseases its symptoms and causes. It is an easy to read book and very informative. Often times patients rely heavily on what doctors tell them, especially when it comes to serious and complicated illnesses. With the Handbook of Peripheral Neuropathy Disease, the patient can follow along with the doctor and also raise questions regarding areas the doctor may not have covered completely or which the patient is not clear.
Neuropathy Disease and Evaluation of Neurological Damage
Evaluating neuropathy disease is difficult because the symptoms are often confused with other illnesses which have similar symptoms. For instance, Celiac disease has some of the same symptoms as neuropathy disease (e.g., tingling in hand and feet, numbness in hand and feet, reduced sensation in the body). These same symptoms, by the way are symptoms also found in diabetics. So a person with neuropathy disease may be misdiagnosed as having diabetes. Therefore, providing therapy or some sort of treatment can be difficult for physicians. The Handbook of Peripheral Neuropathy Disease discusses ways that physicians can properly evaluate their patients so that the correct diagnosis is given. I highly recommend purchasing the book.
