Neuropathy: nerve damage or dysfunction (including motor and sensory nerves)
- Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: neuropathy directly caused from chemotherapy toxicity
- Motor nerves affect muscles and motion such as:
- Weakness, dropping items, inability to button shirts
- Difficulty walking and balance issues that may lead to falls
- Overall disability with daily activities of living
- Sensory nerves affect sensation such as:
- Experiences pain & numbness usually in the fingertips and toes
- Cold-sensitivity
- Abnormal tingling & numbness
Rehabilitation interventions for management of Neuropathy:
- Desensitization treatment for sensory neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Fall prevention education & management
- Balance and gait training
- Strengthening of fine & gross motor muscles groups
- Environmental modifications &adaptations (home/work)
- Providing adaptive equipment to stimulate sensation
- Orthotic usage & appropriate footwear
- Energy conservation techniques