Idiopathic neuropathy is a peripheral neuropathy of unknown origin. Unlike compressive neuropathy, which can be traced back to some trauma that damaged the nerves, or diabetic neuropathy, which is invariably a side-effect of the onset of diabetes, idiopathic neuropathy has no known origin. Frustratingly, if there is no known history of peripheral neuropathy in the family line, hereditary neuropathy cannot be ruled out as an option, but is difficult to substantiate.
Regardless of the origin, all neuropathies cause pain and discomfort to the "victim" - normally pain, tingling and numbness in the hands and/or feet. Since idiopathic neuropathy cannot be cured at present, efforts towards treatment should be pursued to alleviate suffering when at all possible. Most treatment options at this point are designed only to bring relief to symptoms, and most of these treatment options are based on medications.
Analgesics such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin are often used for pain relief for ALL forms of neuropathy. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also come into play, as can topical creams like capsaicin. New therapies are in development as well, such as Anodyne Light Therapy and electrostimulation therapy. Anodyne Light Therapy involves the use of an infrared light therapy device to the affected area of the skin, while electrostimulation therapy involves the electric stimulation of nerves in the affected area. Both these therapies are expensive but reportedly painless, and there are devices in both therapies that have been registered with the F.D.A.
Again, since neuropathy is at this point incurable, treatment options are designed to reduce pain and suffering for the afflicted. A healthy diet, tolerable exercise and 8 hours of sleep each night are all recommended strategies for helping the body to do its best to cope with the stresses placed upon it by idiopathic neuropathy.
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