Medical Health Encyclopedia

People with neuropathy (especially those with polyneuropathy or mononeuropathy multiplex) are prone to new nerve injury at pressure points (knees and elbows, for example). They should avoid prolonged pressure on these areas from leaning on the elbows, crossing the knees, or assuming similar positions.

Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be needed to control nerve pain. Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin), tricyclic antidepressants, or other medications may be used to reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. Whenever possible, medication use should be minimized to avoid side effects.

Adjusting position, using frames to keep bedclothes off tender body parts, or other measures may also be helpful to reduce pain.

Text Continues Below

---

Autonomic changes may be treated symptomatically. They may be difficult to treat or respond poorly to treatment.

• Postural hypotension (low blood pressure) -- use of elastic stockings and sleeping with the head elevated may help. Fludrocortisone or similar medications may be beneficial in reducing postural hypotension for some people.
• Reduced gastric motility -- medications that increase gastric motility (such as metoclopramide), eating small frequent meals, sleeping with the head elevated, or other measures may help.
• Bladder dysfunction -- manual expression of urine (pressing over the bladder with the hands), intermittent catheterization, or medications such as bethanechol may be necessary.
• Impotence, diarrhea, constipation or other symptoms are treated as appropriate.