Neuritis refers to the inflammation of a nerve, which can become serious if not treated in time. Some of the common symptoms of neuritis include:

• Pain
• Repeated “pins and needles” sensations
• Numbness
• Decreased movement
• Poor, or slow, reflexes
• Paralysis or deadening sensation of the affected area
• Weakening of the muscles in the affected area

What many people are unaware of is that neuritis is not a disease rather it is a symptom of a more serious problem – just like a cough is simply one symptom of a cold. As with most things, there are a variety of known causes of neuritis including:

• Infection, specifically of herpes and shingles. Less commonly, leprosy may be to blame, although this disease is incredibly uncommon in the United States.
• Injury, either chemical-related or physical-related
• Radiation poisoning
• Diabetes
• Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Once the cause of the neuritis is determined your physician will work to fix the cause and typically the symptom of neuritis will disappear. For example, if your neuritis is caused by diabetes it will typically be due to elevated blood glucose levels. If this is determined to be the cause your physician will work with you to lower your glucose levels at which time the neuritis will go away.

Diabetic neuropathy is a painful secondary effect of diabetes where our body’s nerves become damaged due to prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels. Symptoms of neuropathy often include tingling, numbness and shooting pains along the nerves and typically affect the extremities such as the hands or feet.

While there are a number of different types of neuropathy that affects different areas of our body’s the important fact about all types of neuropathy is that it can only be cured if its prime cause is cured. For example, if your neuropathy is caused by high blood glucose levels once you lower the glucose levels the symptoms will typically go away. However, if there is extensive damage it may take a very long time for the nerves to regenerate.

Neuropathy has been found to be particularly worse in people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency.  B12 supports the sheathing that protects our nerves and medical studies have also found that B12 promotes the regeneration and growth of new nerve cells. The best way to receive additional B12 is through monthly shots since this vitamin is not readily absorbed by the body in capsule form.

Neuropathy is a painful condition brought on by elevated glucose levels and is experienced by nearly 70% of all diabetics. If you are diabetic and over the age of 50 it is vital that you begin today to replenish your body and protect your nervous system to prevent long term damage.

L-Carnitine is a vital nutrient produced by our body yet for people who are suffering from diabetic neuropathy may need more than what is produced to receive the benefits from this amazing element. L-Carnitine benefits for neuropathy includes promoting nerve regeneration and pain reduction associated with neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when elevated glucose levels go uncontrolled over an extended period of time and causes nerve damage. Pain associated with this type of neuropathy includes numbness, tingling, and shooting pain along the path of the nerve and is commonly targeted in our feet and hands. The most important thing to do when you experience these symptoms is contact your physician to see if your glucose levels are elevated and if they are to get them back to the normal range as soon as possible.

Recommended dosage of L-Carnitine is no more than 3 grams per day for people suffering from neuropathy and it’s best to talk with your physician for what his or her recommendation is. It is also important to know that there are side-effects including diarrhea, headaches, heartburn, high blood pressure, blurred vision, and indigestion.

The side effects are rare yet if you experience them you may want to let your physician know.