Neuropathy secondary to drugs affects approximately 5 out of 100,000 people. It can affect people of any age or sex. There is usually evidence of damage to the axon part of the nerve cell, which blocks conduction of the nerve impulse through the cell. Occasionally, there may also be changes in movement. Many medications can be associated with the development of neuropathy.
Treatment is symptomatic .
Symptomatic treatment is based on the symptoms presented and their extent. Narcotic analgesics, such as codeine, may be needed to control severe pain. The medication causing the neuropathy may be stopped, reduced in dose, or changed to another medication. Loss of sensation may require additional safety measures or other interventions to compensate for the loss of sensation. In many cases, a partial or full return to normal functioning is possible.