What is Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropahty (CIPN)?
- Damage to the nerves from toxins, chemotherapy
- Sensory, Motor and Autonomic are the types of nerves, they are typically the first affected by chemotherapy and motor and autonomic are the less affected
- Sensory nerves process sensory information like vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell and balance and movement
- The nerves affected by CIPN are the ones that are farthest away from the spinal cord
- Certain chemotherapy drugs have been known to cause peripheral neuropathy, 4-74% of cancer patients experience CIPN
- Motor Nerves carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the different parts of the body
- Autonomic nerves regulated the bodies response systems
Some of the symptoms may include:
- Loss of feeling
- Tingling
- Burning
- Pain
- Pressure might be more painful
- Decreased reflexes
- Unable to hold on to things as well as dropping things
- Balance disturbances
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Muscle atrophy
Research indicate there are over 100 types of neuropathy, some other causes for neuropathy may include:
- Hormonal imbalances can disturb some of the metabolic processes
- Vitamin deficiencies, specifically vitamins E, B1, B6 & B12 are a vital to healthy nerve function
- Vascular damage when the oxygen supply is cut off or stopped to the nerves
- Connective tissue disorders and chronic inflammation can lead to the destruction of connective tissues
- Tumor placement can increase pressure on nerve fibers
- Repetitive stress can lead to entrapment of nerve
Treatment options:
- Exercise to increase blood flow to the distal extremities.
Talk to your doctor about other treatment options that are best for you!
-Author Catherine Standiford
-brought to you by Cancer Rehabilitation Centers