Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain and improving neuropathic symptoms, primarily in people with diabetic neuropathy. Although the understanding and treatment of neuropathy have evolved over time, traditional approaches to its treatment have been adopted to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. Advances in technology have led to the development of cutting-edge therapies and devices for the treatment of neuropathy. These innovative interventions include regenerative medicine approaches, such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy, which aim to repair damaged nerves and restore their function.
In addition, neuromodulation devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units and spinal cord stimulators, have become more sophisticated in their ability to precisely target affected nerves. These devices relieve pain and improve overall functioning for people with neuropathy. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to stimulate energy flow and restore balance, alleviate pain and promote healing.
Acupuncture has shown promise for reducing neuropathic pain and improving nerve function. However, more research is needed to establish their efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that plays a vital role in energy metabolism. It has been studied for its potential neuroprotective properties in the treatment of neuropathy.
Its antioxidant effects can help reduce oxidative damage and promote nerve regeneration. However, more research is needed to establish optimal doses and long-term efficacy. Certain herbal remedies have been explored for their potential benefits in treating symptoms of neuropathy. For example, evening primrose oil, derived from the evening primrose plant, contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects.
St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba have also shown promise for reducing neuropathic pain and improving nerve function. However, it is essential to be careful when using herbal remedies, as their safety, efficacy, and possible interactions with other medications may vary. Involving patients in the decision-making process allows them to actively participate in their treatment and improves treatment outcomes.
Health professionals should inform patients about available treatment options, benefits, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Through shared decision-making, patients can express their preferences, concerns, and goals, allowing healthcare professionals to adapt the treatment plan to fit the patient's individual needs. This collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and motivation, which improves adherence to treatment and overall satisfaction. Many medications used in the treatment of neuropathy can have side effects that can significantly affect patients' general well-being and quality of life.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, and possible long-term complications. Some people may be more susceptible to side effects because of underlying medical conditions or drug interactions. Minimizing side effects and optimizing treatment benefits requires close monitoring, patient education, and an individualized approach to drug selection and dosing. In a preclinical study carried out by researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and the Burke Neurological Institute, promising results have been obtained with a molecule designed to treat chronic neuropathic pain, which consists of calming the hyperactive neurons of the peripheral nervous system that detect pain.
Recent advances in medical research have led to the development of innovative treatments. for neuropathy. One promising area is the use of stem cell therapy, which aims to regenerate damaged nerves and promote healing. This approach takes advantage of the body's natural healing processes, which can offer long-term relief to patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
STONY BROOK, New York, January 17, 2025 — An investigational non-opioid drug with promising preclinical results in the treatment of neuropathic pain has overcome a major obstacle after the study's safety review committee (SRC) reviewed data from initial volunteers and recommended moving to the next dose level in a clinical trial conducted for the first time in humans. CET (combined electrochemical therapy) treatment is a relatively new treatment option for neuropathy that involves a combination of electrical stimulation and chemical injections. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at CET treatment for neuropathy, including how it works, benefits, and potential risks. It is increasingly popular, as it is effective in more than 85% of our patients.
