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Quote:

Originally Posted by echoes long ago (Post 987975)

i am very skeptical of anxiety and stress as being the cause of the symptoms you describe. Stress and anxiety can definitely make your symptoms worse, but I would not at this point accept that as a cause. I would get a second opinion if i were you. in the 12 years now that i have had peripheral neuropathy, have i ever met or read about anyone who had peripheral neuropathy defintively caused by stress and anxiety.

Symptoms yes.... PN is a disease state of the nerves and more permanent.

When a person has anxiety the acid/base levels in the blood get off kilter, and numbness, tingling, or zaps may happen (this can be due to poor breathing or hyperventilating). Those are called paresthesias. When we get really upset, the adrenal glands release adrenalin which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to be hyper vigilant and over active. This can lead to strange sensations when prolonged. Cortisol is also released, which raises blood sugar and conserves sodium.

Peripheral neuropathy on the other hand has changes in the nerves themselves. It is a disease state. And as such is more permanent and does not wax and wane with mood as much. Symptoms are more steady and there most of the time.

Sometimes it is difficult to separate out the two states, clearly.