Neuronal Dysfunction in Neuropathic Pain - Essay Example

Name: Institution: Title: Neuronal dysfunction in neuropathic pain Tutor: Date: Introduction Neuronal dysfunction is a condition that is associated with failure of neurons to transmit impulses as expected. Usually problems within the nervous system results in pain that is felt along the nerves also known as neuropathic pain. However, neuronal dysfunction is not the only cause of neuropathic pain as there are several other causes of this form of pain. This essay is vital as it will evaluate other sources of neuropathic pain as a way of ruling out neuronal dysfunction as the only source. Consequently, there are some possible problems that are likely to be encountered in the course of compiling the essay for instance lack of sufficient evidence to support the thesis. Discussion Neuronal dysfunction Neuronal dysfunction refers to failure of neurons to carry out their daily duties as required due to problems emanating from outside or inside the body. Some neurons have the ability to regenerate although some lack this feature hence any interference results in permanent damage. Neuronal dysfunction usually leads to poor transmission of information inside the body which in turn causes considerable pain to the individual. However, in most cases, patients or individuals suffering from this pain cannot locate its origin hence they fail to provide accurate details of the problem (Kandel, Schwartz & Jessell, 2000). In addition to these details about neuronal dysfunction, it is apparent that neuropathic pain is not all about failure or problems with the nerves as there are several other causes of neuropathic pain that do not directly relate to abnormalities of the neurons. The other causes of neuropathic pain other than neuronal dysfunction are described below. Neuropathic pain Neuropathic pain on the other hand is brought about by presence of open wounds or injuries in the central or peripheral nervous system. Such lesions are often brought about by excessive pressure exerted by internal or external stimuli. Consequently, the nervous system is damaged and information cannot be transmitted normally hence plenty of pain is felt. Similarly, disorders of the nervous system may bring about problems that culminate to neuropathic pain (Lee, 2000). Neuropathic pain often presents itself in various ways for instance it could be a continuous sharp pain spontaneous pain being felt at certain times only. The intensity of the pain also varies considerably with some people experiencing numbness while for others the pain is excruciating (Torrance, 2006). Causes of neuropathic pain One of the reasons behind pain in the neuropathic system is dietary deficiencies especially where essential minerals are not supplied in the diet. For instance calcium absorption is enhanced by presence of phosphorus in the body such that insufficient phosphorus may in deposition of calcium stones along the axons on nerves. Such solid deposits exert pressure on the myelin sheath which in turn leads to constriction of the entire axon and eventually pain follows (Kandel, 2000). In addition to calcium deposits in the central or peripheral nervous systems, at times there can be accumulation of sclerotic tissues along the neuron. Sclerotic tissues or elements are derived from nutrients as well as other chemicals in the body. Generally some chemical reactions result into compounds that do not dissolve in body fluids hence clearance of the same via the kidneys and skin is a major issue. Consequently, the solid particles end up as deposits in certain areas of the body one of them being in the synaptic cavities as well as the in the myelin sheath (Vaillancourt & Langevin, 1999). The sclerotic deposits exert pressure on the neuron while at the same time they may cause lesions along the axon. The lesions impair transmission of information in addition to creating passages for blood and other fluids to seep out of the perforations. The deposited sclera also has a way of damaging adjacent neurons which impairs the entire central or peripheral nervous system after the patient has experienced excruciating pain. Similarly, lack of sufficient sodium, chloride and potassium in the diet may hamper with the functioning of the neurons hence resulting in mild or severe pain. Some people suffering from neuropathic pain often complain of electric shock-like feeling or needle-like spasms inside their limbs. Such sporadic pain experiences are attributed to imbalance in the level of ions which enable impulses to move along the length of a neuron. The inadequacy results in the nerves working even harder to transmit information by using the available ions and eventually due to the stressing conditions, as well as overworking pain results (Peters, 1991). Consequently, habitual uptake of medication such as some antidepressants has a toll on the overall ion percentage at the nervous locations. Tricyclic antidepressants for instance have a negative impact on the sodium channel hence making it unavailable for use by the nerve. Some of the antidepressants also block natural painkillers in the body such as serotonin and epinephrine. These two chemicals are vital in reducing the amount of pain felt by our bodies hence making the pain more extreme. Similarly, abnormal absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin could be behind increased neuropathic pain among patients who are undergoing chemotherapy (Rowbotham & Petersen, 2007). Patients living with HIV have reported cases of neuropathic pain especially after consuming antiretroviral drugs for some time. This pain among HIV patients has been linked to side effects of some chemicals in the drugs which interfere with nutrient components in the body as well as blocking production of cells which work together with the nervous system. Consequently, the patient develops numbness in the legs and hands which slowly become unbearable pain (Rowbotham, 2007). Diabetes mellitus is yet another pathological condition that plays a significant role in development of neuropathic pain. This is attributed to the fact that patients suffering from diabetes mellitus often develop problems with blood flow which is a possible cause of blood vessel constriction. Consequently, blood flow is interrupted and so is blood supply to the nervous system. Eventually the nerves lack nourishment and they fail in conducting their roles. The increased levels of insulin in the body have an impact on neurotransmitters so that they react with glucose leading to hypertonic conditions that ulcerate the blood vessels (Vadakkan, 2005). The other source of neuropathic pain is fibromyalgia as a result of a damaged hippocampus especially when a person is exposed to stressful conditions. Stress has been known to tamper with the part of the nervous system which coordinates sleep and pain perception. Consequently, when this part is damaged, the person has no pain perception zone hence they succumb to intense pain which is always severe as minimal levels are not recognized by the brain. Similarly, nerves supplying the hippocampus with information are faced with disrupted networks that are a possible cause of the neuropathic pain (Bouhassira, 2008). The other issue that connects fibromyalgia with neuropathic pain is the fact that insufficient supply of dopamine can have a direct impact in nerve failure as well as pain. Dopamine plays an important role in pain perception hence an interrupted supply of the neurotransmitter has a direct effect on the quality of information conveying inside the body. Similarly, our genetic make up also plays a key role in the presence of fibromyalgia which is a common cause of neuropathic pain. Children borne of parents with fibromyalgia have been reported to experience neuropathic pains later on in life while those borne of parents without the condition (Torrance, 2006). Research also shows that cancer plays a great role in causing a number of neuropathic pain cases especially if the person in question has a cancerous tumor. Cancerous tumors often grow in certain sections of the body some of them being supplied by a rich network of neurons. As the tumor grows, it occupies a space which could have been occupied by a body organ hence the organ is under pressure to give way to the growing tumor. Similarly, neurons in the affected organ are under pressure to perform normal functions while their capacity is compromised. Displacement of body organs causes immense disturbance on nerves which are highly sensitive to changes in the physical environment they live in. Therefore, changes regardless of their magnitude are likely to have an impact on performance of the neurons (Vadakkan, 2005). Other hereditary conditions which have an impact on nerve activity include disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that lead to degeneration of nerve cells. The other fact about hereditary disorders is that their effects such as neuropathic pain are as a result of being triggered by relevant stimuli in the environment. Hence a combination of the environment and genetic factors contribute towards the presence of neuropathic pain. Physical trauma is yet another factor behind neuropathic pain especially peripheral pain on body organs which are directly in contact with the outside stimuli (Lee, 2000). Physical trauma could be as a result of falling or subjecting our bodies to harmful stimuli such as sharp objects. Nerves can loose their ability to transmit information if severed. Similarly, injuries on limbs causes pain from the organ as well as pain on the injured nerve. However, pain emanating from the organ fades away quickly while that from the injured nerves takes longer before it ceases. Consequently, it results in neuropathic pain as the person will experience numbness or loss of feeling which can be accompanied by intense pain (Peters, 1991). Toxins cause neuropathic pain in the body especially if they are not completely cleared by the kidneys. The activity of toxins in the body is dependent on chemical components as well as mode of action. Therefore, toxins whose mode of action is in blocking neurotransmitters which play roles in ensuring that nerve activity is sustained. Neurotransmitters are also critical in relaying impulses which is the key role of neurons therefore reducing the overall overloading at the synapse (Vaillancourt, 1999). Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that neuronal dysfunction is not the only reason why people suffer from neuropathic pain but rather there are numerous other causes of neuropathic pain. While most of these causes result in impairment or severing of existing nerve tissues there are also a good number whose impact is on the activity of the neurons where their normal impulse transmission hence the neuron’s anatomy is not affected but rather its physiology is interfered with. The information presented in this essay exhibits genetics as a key cause of neuropathic pain so that children are borne with problems in their neurons but it is only after the appropriate stimuli is present that the pain is triggered. Similarly, our diet as well as medication also plays critical roles towards emergence and development of neuropathic pain as it is demonstrated to possess a vital output that interferes with the overall functioning of the neurons. The physical condition of eth body such as diseases in the body can also bring about neuropathic pain especially if the disease is present in body organs that are supplied by a wide variety of neurons. Bibliography Bouhassira D, Lantéri-Minet M, Attal N, Laurent B, & Touboul C, (2008), "Prevalence of chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics in the general population". 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