Neuropathy Essay
Introduction
The selected theme of neuropathy represents the segment of the brain development framework. The condition reflects an issue with the damage or diseases in the nerves that transmit messages from and towards the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathy entails different causes and symptoms, while the recent research on the condition indicates controversies in evidence on neuropathy and implications for further study in the defined sector of psychology.
Current Research on Neuropathy
The selected condition within the brain development process incorporates various determinants and manifestations. Scholars argue that neuropathy possesses diverse forms of brain and spinal cord damage, including carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve damage acquired throughout the progression of diabetes (Feldman, Nave, Jemsen, & Bennett, 2017; Kim & Johnson, 2017). Recent research initiatives on the topic also define the prevalence of the issue. According to an assessment of peripheral neuropathies, the conditions frequently occur within the groups of individuals aged 55 or older, regardless of gender or other characteristics (Feldman et al., 2017). Scientists tend to classify the problems concerning the cause of the condition or its manifestations. The prevalent cause of neuropathy involves diverse forms of traumas, while the symptoms of the issue include numbness, tingling sensations, pain, and weakened muscles in specific body parts (Kim & Johnson, 2017). For instance, the analysis of mononeuropathies indicates the various forms of condition’s manifestations. Mononeuropathies, such as ulnar, radial, or peroneal nerve palsies, occur due to nerve damage due to trauma, fracture, or compression, defined through the numbness and pain in hands or feet (Kim & Johnson, 2017). Therefore, neuropathy involves different symptoms and causes.
Researchers note the controversies in the current body of evidence on neuropathy and its treatment patterns. A recent evaluation of diabetic neuropathy displays the inconsistency of research findings acquired through diverse clinical trials. Although the defined investigation acknowledges the existence of multiple studies in the issue, the authors also state the frequent failures of clinical trials regarding the production of consistent and valid evidence on the condition. According to the mentioned investigation, controversies in the diversified observations of neuropathy result from inadequate “drug design and inappropriate animal models that identify pathogenic mechanisms that are not pertinent to humans” (Calcutt & Fernyhough, 2016, p. 6). The scholars conclude that neuropathy research should proceed with the flexibility and inclusion of advanced therapeutic approaches. The authors of the observation suggest that the “scientifically rational and clinically meaningful” approach can facilitate the efficient identification of neuropathy causes and therapies for the management of the condition (Calcutt & Fernyhough, 2016, p. 7). Hence, the inconsistencies in the research on the topic reflect inappropriate scholarly procedures.
The assessment of the discussed issue can contribute to the study of psychological manifestations in the analysis. While pathology associates with the diverse forms of psychological processes, their evaluation requires further investigation. Scholars propose that the sphere of psychology entails the relatively limited evidence on the psychological factors and manifestations of different neuropathy forms, representing the sectors of further research that can advance the field of psychological expertise (Kioskli, Scott, Winkley, Kylakos, & Mccracken, 2019). Thus, the theme of neuropathy constitutes a significant opportunity for the development of psychology.
Conclusion
Neuropathy exemplifies a brain development condition that occurs due to nerve deterioration resulting from trauma or disease. The recent investigations of the problem illustrate the controversies in the assessment of the state and emphasize the possibility of further improvements in evidence on the topic. The research on neuropathy entails multiple research opportunities that possess implications for the psychology field.
References
Calcutt, N., & Fernyhough, P. (2016). A brief introduction to the history and controversies of clinical trials in diabetic neuropathy. In International Review of Neurobiology (Vol. 127, pp. 3-8). Elsevier Inc.
Feldman, E., Nave, K., Jemsen, T., & Bennett, D. (2017). New horizons in diabetic neuropathy: Mechanisms, bioenergetics, and pain. Neuron, 93(6), 1296-1313. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.02.005
Kim, P. Y., & Johnson, C. E. (2017). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 30(5), 570-576. doi:10.1097/aco.0000000000000500
Kioskli, K., Scott, W., Winkley, K., Kylakos, S., & Mccracken, L. M. (2019). Psychosocial factors in painful diabetic neuropathy: A systematic review of treatment trials and survey studies. Pain Medicine, 20(9), 1756-1773. doi:10.1093/pm/pnz071
