What is Cryptogenic Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy?

A common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, but in about 25 to 50% of the population, no cause is found–this group is often referred to as Cryptogenic Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy (CSPN). Symptoms of CSPN typically progress slowly. Learn what can be done if you find that you fall into this group.

Key Points About CSPN Provided by the National Institutes of Health

• Cryptogenic or idiopathic sensory polyneuropathy is a common type of neuropathy seen in patients usually over age 50.
• Symptoms and signs are predominantly sensory while motor manifestations are usually mild or absent.
• Extensive evaluation usually does not reveal any identifiable abnormalities on laboratory testing. In up to one third of cases, electrophysiologic testing is normal. Skin biopsy may be helpful in this subgroup.
• Management is focused on patient reassurance, treatment of the neuropathic pain and rehabilitative care.

Defining Cryptogenic Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Chronic sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a common reason patients end up in a neurologists’ office. But diagnosing these patients can be a challenging process with about one-third of patients unable to receive a direct reason for their symptoms.

Patients with this type of neuropathy have slow-forming symptoms and most maintain most of their functionality. The best treatment approaches for these patients is physical therapy for balance training, and, sometimes, assistive devices, according to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

While cryptogenic sensory peripheral neuropathy rarely falls into a particular trigger category, the following are typical causes for PN symptoms provided by the Mayo Clinic:

• Alcoholism. Poor dietary choices made by people with alcoholism can lead to vitamin deficiencies.
• Autoimmune diseases. These include Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and necrotizing vasculitis.
• Diabetes. More than half the people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.
• Exposure to poisons. Toxic substances include heavy metals or chemicals.
• Medications. Certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer (chemotherapy), can cause peripheral neuropathy.
• Infections. These include certain viral or bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, leprosy, diphtheria and HIV.
• Inherited disorders. Disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are hereditary types of neuropathy.
• Trauma or pressure on the nerve. Traumas, such as from motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can result from having a cast or using crutches or repeating a motion such as typing many times.
• Tumors. Growths, cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign), can develop on the nerves or press nerves. Also, polyneuropathy can arise as a result of some cancers related to the body’s immune response. These are a form of paraneoplastic syndrome.
• Vitamin deficiencies. B vitamins — including B-1, B-6 and B-12 — vitamin E and niacin are crucial to nerve health.
• Bone marrow disorders. These include abnormal protein in the blood (monoclonal gammopathies), a form of bone cancer (osteosclerotic myeloma), lymphoma and amyloidosis.
• Other diseases. These include kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Treatment Options for Cryptogenic Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Studies have shown that incorporating regular strengthening exercises helps patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy (PN).  Strengthening muscles can help reduce pain associated with PN while encouraging appropriate blood-sugar levels.

Physical activity routines recommended for Cryptogenic Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy sufferers include:

• Aerobic Exercise
• Flexibility Exercise
• Strength Training Exercise
• Balance Exercise

Balance exercises help restore mobility and unsteadiness due to joint pain, weakness or dizziness.  By strengthening your small stabilizing muscles, and your core, you improve your balance and your ability to keep moving allowing for proper blood circulation and nerve healing and regeneration.

Searching for the Source of Nerve Pain

If you are among the 15-20 million Americans that suffer from undetermined nerve pain, you are not alone. Unexplained (idiopathic) nerve pain is often still linked to nerve damage of some kind, but current medical knowledge and testing can’t tell you why or when it happened.

Studies show that almost half of those surveyed with unexplained nerve pain also had prediabetes. In fact, scientists believe that the elevated blood sugars of prediabetes may be the primary cause of these nerve issues. Almost 20% of all people with diabetes already have some neuropathy by the time they are diagnosed.

“Other studies have found that metabolic syndrome — the combination of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, and prediabetes — is also common in people with unexplained nerve pain. These factors may contribute to the pain,” writes, WebMD.

Consult a Doctor

If you are currently suffering from nerve pain, you are in need of a full physical examination by your doctor to discover if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Any medications, supplements you are taking should be disclosed since they may have side effects causing your issues. It is also important to note any viral illnesses, or toxins that you may have been exposed to. Reach out to professionals for help with your neuropathy symptoms to help prevent more nerve damage and to find ways to reduce your pain symptoms.