Peripheral neuropathy isn't usually dangerous, but it can have very disruptive effects on your life. These effects usually aren't as serious when they occur spontaneously. These effects are usually not as severe when they affect only one nerve or a limited group of nerves. The more nerves it affects, the greater the potential impact. What that means is that, if you don't take the right steps to treat it, it will get worse and worse.
Neuropathy, a condition of nerve pain, usually worsens at night. It can seriously disturb sleep, which can make you more aware of pain and make sleeping well even more difficult. You no longer have distractions, so all you have to focus on is pain, which could be one of the reasons why neuropathy worsens some days. Another reason your symptoms may worsen could be your hormone levels.
When the body gets ready to go to sleep at night, metabolism, hormone levels, and many other biochemical processes adjust. This may explain why neuropathy worsens some days and at specific times of the day. Stress and emotions may also influence symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy usually can't be cured, but many things can be done to keep it from getting worse.
If the cause is an underlying condition, such as diabetes, your healthcare provider will treat it first and then treat pain and other symptoms of neuropathy. Peripheral nerves have a great capacity for healing. Although it may take months, recovery can occur. However, in some situations, the symptoms of neuropathy may decrease, but not go away completely. For example, nerve damage caused by radiation often doesn't recover well.
Neuropathy caused by chemotherapy is also difficult to cure, and recovery can take 18 months to five years or more. During recovery from platinum-induced neuropathy, patients may experience increased symptoms. And in extreme cases, surgery can be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries that cause pain and neuropathic symptoms.
