Kidney Disease and Neuropathy: Is there any association?

Onset of a medical condition is often associated with increased likelihood of other health problems. This is because a single disease has the potential to adversely impact your body's different biological systems. This may increase your chances of developing other diseases or worsen the symptoms of existing ones.

The same principle applies to people living with chronic kidney disease who may be at a higher risk of health complications or underlying conditions, one of which includes neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to the damage of the nerves. Peripheral neuropathy, as the name suggests, occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged, causing mild to severe symptoms, like numbness, weakness, and pain. The condition mostly affects the feet and hands, but may also cause discomfort in other parts of the body.

What is the link between neuropathy and kidney disease?

Researchers are yet to establish a clear link between neuropathy and kidney disease. However, doctors believe that the following could be the probable reasons why people with end-stage kidney disease or those on dialysis may be at risk of peripheral neuropathy –

• In the case of renal failure, the nerves tend to deteriorate. There are speculations that the deficiency of certain vital nutrients might contribute to this.

• Certain types of coexistent conditions, like hyperparathyroidism, are believed to cause neuropathy

• Specific forms of neuropathy, such as the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, occur more frequently in the arm that has the graft or dialysis access in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Even though the exact cause for neuropathy in a particular situation has not been understood well. Nevertheless, it is speculated that reduction in the supply of blood to the distant nerves due to the dialysis access acting as obstruction may be a contributing factor.

• If the pressure in the graft increases, it could cause infiltration of blood or fluid into the adjacent tissues, which might compress a nerve.

• Patients with a high level of phosphorus are likely to develop deposits of calcium phosphate, which may contribute to neuropathy.

• If you do not receive a sufficient dose of dialysis, you could be at a greater risk of having neuropathy.

• A diseased kidney may not function as efficiently as it should – and that often results in a chemical and salt imbalance. The imbalance may higher your chances of peripheral nerve damage, causing neuropathy.

Is neuropathy due to kidney disease common?

Kidney disease leading to peripheral neuropathy is extremely common. More than half of all patients undergoing dialysis could show symptoms of a nerve problem without realizing. Patients do not have to necessarily be on dialysis. Those, who are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease but have not been put on dialysis yet, may develop peripheral neuropathy due to kidney disease.

If you develop chronic kidney disease or if you suspect you might have peripheral neuropathy, do check with your healthcare provider or a nephrologist, as there are treatment options available to help you live a healthier and longer life.