Ulnar neuropathy

Ulnar neuropathy is the condition in which the ulnar nerve becomes trapped, it usually happens in the elbow and then in the wrist, because the ulnar nerve itself runs down the length of the arm. As a result of the repetitive stress on the nerve due to the entrapment the nerve becomes inflamed. This illness is usually common for cyclists, typists, or people who have fracture in the elbow region that pressured the nerve.

The symptoms of the ulnar neuropathy include: weakness, numbness, muscle wasting, pins and needles sensation, and pain. The neuropathy implies the nerve injury. Because the ulnar nerve goes through the elbow joint it is also known as the funny bone.

The main cause of the ulnar neuropathy is the nerve damage. Such damage may be a result of the compression of the nerve due to general anesthesia, when the sensation is obliterated, or inflammation due to increased leaning on the elbow, or such deceases as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Malnutrition can also be a part of the cause for ulnar neuropathy. Blows, tumors, impinging of an artery may result in the nerve damage and be responsible for the condition as well.

The symptoms, however, also vary depending on the place of the neuropathy and whether  it is appeared suddenly, in which case it is called acute, or has been there for a long period of time, in which case it is referred to as chronic. Numbness and weakness are present regardless of the kind of the neuropathy; pain is experienced in less than 50% of acute neuropathy cases, and in more than 70% of the people suffering from the chronic one.

There are several types of neuropathy that present danger and are unfortunately common.

One of them is the alcoholic neuropathy. This condition is the nerve damage that has been caused by the excessive alcohol consumption.

Nearly half of heavy alcohol users and people suffering from alcoholism develop this illness.

The symptoms of the alcoholic neuropathy include:

-         Numbness,

-         Pins and needles sensation

-         Pain in arms and legs

-         Muscle weakness

-         Muscle cramps and aches

-         Sensitivity to heat, especially due to exercising

-         Impotence in men

-         Urinating problems

-         Constipation,

-         Diarrhea,

-         Vomiting and nausea

-         Difficulty swallowing

-         Speech disturbance

-         Muscle function disturbance

-         Muscle atrophy

-         Disorders of movement.

Once the alcoholic neuropathy has been identified, it can be treated by controlling the symptoms, and preventing further injury.

Such vitamins as thiamine and folic acid should be included in the diet.

Pain relieving medication may be used, but it is important to not over take it in order to not develop addiction. Physical therapy is a very production treatment of muscle disorders, which are a common symptom of the neuropathy.

The other kind of neuropathy that is the auditory neuropathy, this condition, or in other words, a hearing disorder, means that the signals that should normally be transmitted through the inner ear fail to function due to brain impairment.

The causes of this disorder are not yet clearly identified, but they include a wide range of factors, that vary from different kinds of inner ear damage to the failure in connection between the inner ear and the nerve.