Chemotherapy Associated Peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathy is pain and discomfort caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system that occurs during chemotherapy.
Most common chemotherapy drugs that cause peripheral neuropathy are :
Paclitaxel, Cisplatin, Docetaxel, Carboplatin, Eribulin, Vinorelbine
Symptoms
- Pain (burning and shooting)
- Numbness and altered sensation in hands and feet
- Pin and needles or tingling sensation
- Sensitivities to warm or cold temperatures
- Muscle weakness and discomfort
- Loss of balance
- Pigmentation and cracking of nails
Management and Treatment
- Analgesia to relieve pain. Special analgesia may be helpful eg. Gabapentin, Amitriptyline,
- Avoid injury to the feet and hands
- Be careful when using hot cup and hot meals
- Careful during bathing, handling sharp objects
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