Dangerous neuropathy after chemotherapy can often be associated with the strongest side effect of a particular drug, or may be the result of increased intoxication after the collapse of the immediate tumor. As a rule, certain decay products of the neoplasm can greatly increase systemic inflammation. In some cases, such systemic inflammation is accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, as well as a marked deterioration in all blood test parameters and other complications.
Neurotoxicity is considered one of the most specific systemic complications of almost any anticancer chemotherapy. In addition, after such treatment, the very quality of life of many patients deteriorates significantly, since neurotoxicity significantly limits the specific therapeutic possibilities of chemotherapy. The consequence of which is a dose reduction, it is often necessary to completely cancel the necessary treatment.
Dependence of neuropathy on neurotoxicity
Neuropathy can vary in severity. At the first degree of neurotoxicity, minor changes are observed that practically do not affect the general activity and quality of life of the patient himself, while the intervention of a doctor is not required. The second degree is characterized by moderate changes, which are a deterioration in functions that do not greatly affect the daily life of a person. Acute disturbances are inevitable in the third degree of neurotoxicity, when active treatment is required and even a delay in chemotherapy is possible.
If the doctor diagnoses the fourth degree, which is life-threatening for the patient, then immediate cancellation of chemotherapy is indicated. Many drugs used cause irreversible neurological damage. The immediate development of such neurological symptoms after chemotherapy is a consequence of direct damage to the nervous tissue by a specific neurotoxic drug, or only a mediated development of complications.
These complications include infections in severe forms of myelodepression, metabolic disorders, and various concomitant psychosomatic and neurological manifestations. Serious lesions of the central nervous system can be isolated or combined.
It is no coincidence that peripheral neurotoxicity occupies the first place. It is at its core that there are predominant lesions of axons or their myelin sheaths. In most cases, such neuropathies are recorded only a few weeks after the start of chemotherapy. As a rule, the most common is considered to be distal symmetric sensory type neuropathy with significant involvement of the lower extremities.
In this case, a slowly progressive or gradual increase in a certain symptomatology of the disorder is characteristic. There is a deterioration in vibration, temperature and proprioceptive sensitivity. Then, quite late, other concomitant disorders of the necessary motor functions occur. Many patients complain of muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.
Neuropathy after chemotherapy is also characterized by early manifestation. In exceptional cases, severe damage to the limbs, severe muscle weakness and a fairly rapid loss of all deep reflexes are observed.
With lesions directly to the brain, acute or progressive encephalopathy occurs, cerebellar disorders and convulsive syndrome are possible. It should also be noted psychovegetative disorders, lesions of the cranial nerves, various emotional and affective disorders and dangerous asthenic conditions. This risk group should include patients with diabetes, as well as people with acquired or hereditary neuropathies. Also included in the risk group are people who abuse alcohol or have liver or kidney dysfunction.
Since neuropathy after chemotherapy causes direct damage to certain nerve cells, the patient feels joint pain, headache, hypersensitivity of the skin, as well as migraines and aches all over the body. In different cases, such serious damage can lead to disability, and may be temporary. This directly depends on the severity of the underlying disease, the degree of damage to the body and its reserve capabilities.
Existing metabolic disorders, bowel disease and circulatory disorders can greatly increase neuropathy after chemotherapy. To alleviate the patient’s condition, modern painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are shown. A course of taking vitamins and immunosuppressants is also recommended.