Peripheral neuropathy typically causes painful symptoms including numbness and tingling of the affected areas, most commonly the hands or feet, though it may incorporate other parts of the body.

While it is important to continue management of the underlying condition with your primary doctor, studies have shown that medical cannabis can be effective in treating the symptoms, resulting in decreased burning and tingling and improved sleep and function.

​​What’s Happening?

The damage may be primarily to the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers and helps to facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses. In other cases, the damage may be primarily to the nerve fibers themselves, also known as the axons. There may be damage to both the myelin sheath as well as the axons.  When the axon or myelin sheath is damaged, the signals being transmitted along the nerve may be disrupted or blocked, causing abnormal sensations such as pain, numbness, or tingling. This is because the nervous system relies on the proper functioning of nerve cells and their communication pathways to detect and respond to stimuli, including pain signals.

In addition, injury to the myelin sheath can lead to inflammation and swelling, which can further contribute to pain and discomfort. This is because inflammation triggers the release of chemicals that sensitize nerve endings and make them more responsive to pain signals.

​

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy:

Vascular Disease (Vascular Peripheral Neuropathy): This is due to damage to the blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen and nutrients.  The specific type of nerve damage that occurs in vascular peripheral neuropathy can vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment for vascular peripheral neuropathy typically involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the condition, as well as managing the symptoms with medications and other therapies as needed.  Medical cannabis has been shown to help treat these symptoms as well.

​

Diabetes (Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy): This is due to high levels of blood glucose which damages the small blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. The decreased blood supply can lead to nerve damage and dysfunction, most commonly in the axons themselves. As the nerve fibers are damaged, they may also become more sensitive to pain, leading to the characteristic pain and discomfort associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This also results in slow degeneration and eventual loss of nerve fibers, leading to loss of sensation in addition to painful symptoms.  Treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy typically involves managing blood glucose levels with your primary doctor, as well as medications and other therapies to manage the symptoms.  Medical cannabis has been shown to help treat these symptoms as well.

​

Chemotherapy, Antibiotics, Antivirals, Alcohol, & Toxins: Drugs can cause peripheral neuropathy through various mechanisms. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can be toxic to the nerves and cause nerve damage.  Other medications, such as some antibiotics and antivirals, can cause nerve damage as an unintended side effect.  Drugs may interfere with the metabolism of vitamin B12 or affect the way that blood flows to the nerves, which can lead to nerve damage and dysfunction. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause and treating it promptly, but it is oftentimes irreversible and requires medications and other therapies to manage the symptoms.  Medical cannabis has been shown to help treat these symptoms as well.