Causes of Neuropathy — Explained by Dr. S. Srija, Neurologist in Chirala
Dr. S. Srija — Neurologist, Sri Gorantla Super Speciality Hospital, Chirala
To understand what causes neuropathy, we first need to understand how healthy nerves work in our body.
How Healthy Nerves Work
Healthy nerves in our body work exactly like electrical wires. Just like an electrical wire has an outer insulation layer protecting it, our nerves are surrounded by a protective coating called the Myelin Sheath.
This myelin sheath protects the nerve and helps electrical signals travel fast and accurately through it — from the brain to the rest of the body.
What is Demyelinating Neuropathy?
When the Myelin Sheath gets damaged — just like a wire losing its insulation — the nerve signals get disrupted or slowed down. This condition is called Demyelinating Neuropathy.
Once the myelin sheath is damaged, the nerve cannot carry signals properly — leading to all the symptoms of neuropathy like burning, tingling, weakness and balance issues.
Common Causes of Neuropathy
Dr. S. Srija explains the most common causes that damage the myelin sheath and peripheral nerves:
Nutritional Deficiencies — Lack of essential vitamins, especially Vitamin B12 deficiency, is one of the most common causes of nerve damage seen in Chirala and surrounding areas
Alcohol Consumption — Regular and excessive alcohol intake directly damages the peripheral nerves and myelin sheath over time
Uncontrolled Blood Sugar (Diabetes) — When blood sugar levels remain high for a long time, they slowly damage the nerves — this is called Diabetic Neuropathy and is the most frequently seen type in our region
How is Neuropathy Diagnosed?
To identify neuropathy early and accurately, Dr. S. Srija uses a test called Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS). This test measures how fast and how well electrical signals travel through your nerves — helping identify exactly which nerves are damaged and to what extent.
"Healthy nerves work like electrical wires with myelin sheath as their insulation. When this sheath is damaged — due to B12 deficiency, alcohol, or uncontrolled diabetes — neuropathy occurs. Early detection through Nerve Conduction Studies helps us treat it before permanent damage happens."
- Dr. S. Srija, Neurologist, Sri Gorantla Super Speciality Hospital, Chirala
Watch — Dr. S. Srija Explains Causes of Neuropathy in Telugu
Dr. S. Srija explains the causes of neuropathy and how myelin sheath damage leads to nerve problems — in simple Telugu:
At Sri Gorantla Super Speciality Hospital in Chirala, Dr. S. Srija and our neurology team diagnose neuropathy early using advanced Nerve Conduction Studies. If you have diabetes, B12 deficiency, or consume alcohol regularly — get your nerves checked today.
