One of the main conditions alpha lipoic acid is used to treat is peripheral neuropathy. In such a state, the nerves in the patient's peripheral nervous system have been damaged. This may be caused either by nerve disease or as a result of some forms of systemic illness. Potential medical causes are listed further down this article.

Types

There are separate categories for this condition, including one type that is generalized and symmetrical, and a second kind that is focal and multifocal. Within the generalized and symmetrical category, there are several subsections that also describe different forms of this nerve damage. Those are: distal axonopathy, myelinopathy, and neuronopathy.

Causes

Peripheral neuropathy can be brought on by a variety of diseases and other situations. The following are some of the many issues considered to be underlying medical causes:

Alcoholism
Chronic kidney failure
Diabetes mellitus
Endocrine disease
Excessive vitamin B6 ingestion
Fluoroquinolone toxicity
Genetic disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Friedreich's ataxia)
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Inflammatory disease
Leprosy
Metabolic disease
Organic or heavy metals
Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE)
Sjögren's syndrome
Use of certain drugs
Vitamin deficiency (A, B1, B12, E)

Symptoms

Various signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are possible. Some include: tingling or pins and needles, itching, crawling, pain, skin hypersensitivity, weakness, tiredness, fasciculations, tremor, cramps, muscle pain (myalgia), and others.

Treatment

Underlying causes of the peripheral neuropathy may lead to different treatment methods. Additionally, the symptoms being caused may lead to different options to relieve those symptoms. Alpha lipoic acid may be an option in some circumstances, however, should not automatically be used for any case nor take the place of a recommended selection.