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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Definition Return to top
Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a loss of sensation (or movement) in a part of the body due to a certain medicine.
Causes Return to top
The damage is caused by toxic effects of certain medications on the peripheral nerves (the nerves not in the brain or spinal cord). There is usually evidence of damage to the axon part of the nerve cell, which interferes with nerve signaling.
Most commonly, there is involvement of multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) which usually appears as sensation changes that begin in outward areas of the body (distal) and progress toward the center of the body (proximal). Occasionally, there may also be changes in movement.
Many medications can be associated with the development of neuropathy, including:
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
A neurological examination may show abnormalities. Blood tests to check levels of the medication may show toxic levels. Normal blood levels of certain drugs may be toxic in elderly or other highly susceptible persons.
An EMG test of electrical activity of nerves and muscles will be done.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is based on the symptoms and their severity. The medication causing the neuropathy may be stopped, reduced in dose, or changed to another medication. (Any changes in medication should only occur as recommended by the health care provider).
Medications may be used to control painful neuropathy. However, the use of medications is usually discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Over-the-counter analgesics may be helpful for mild pain. Antidepressant medications (such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline), or anticonvulsants (such as gabapentin), may be helpful for some types of nerve pain. Opiate pain relievers, such as morphine or fentanyl, may be needed to control severe pain.
Loss of sensation may require additional safety measures or other interventions to compensate for the loss of sensation.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
In some cases, a partial or full return to normal function is possible. The disorder is not usually associated with life-threatening complications, but it can be uncomfortable or disabling.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have a loss of sensation or movement of any area of the body while taking any medication.
Prevention Return to top
The health care provider will closely supervise treatment with any medication that may cause neuropathy. The goal is to maintain the proper blood level of medication needed to control disease and its symptoms while preventing toxic levels of the medication.
References Return to top
Kompoliti K, Horn S. Drug-Induced and iatrogenic neurological disorders. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 55.
Shy M. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.
Update Date: 3/26/2009 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
