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Neuropathy

Neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves. There are two basic types of nerves, those in charge of sensation and those in charge of movement. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the nerves and result in any of the following symptoms, mostly in the legs and hands:

• Tingling sensation

• Loss of sensation

• Pain

• Loss of motor function in hands or feet

• Weakness in hand grip

This complication can be seen following the use of some drugs:

• Vincristine, can also cause paralysis of bowels, which is secondary to its impact on the nervous system of the bowels.

• Cisplatinum

• Carboplatinum

• Oxaliplatin, causes acute and chronic neuropathy.  The acute form occurs during the infusion of the drug and shortly thereafter.  Chronic form develops gradually over time with administration of repeated cycles of the drug

• Thalidomide

Treatment:

This condition, as long as it is mild, may be left untreated and the drug, which may have caused the condition, may be continued. If it becomes severe, then the drug must be discontinued. Pain shall be treated with pain medications.