Neuropathic pain is often described as a shooting or burning pain. It can go away on its own, but it is often chronic. Peripheral nerves have a great healing capacity. Although it may take months, a recovery can occur.
However, in some situations, the symptoms of neuropathy may decrease but not go away completely. For example, nerve damage caused by radiation often does not recover well. Neuropathy caused by chemotherapy is also difficult to cure, and recovery can take from 18 months to 5 years or more. During recovery from platinum-induced neuropathy, patients may suffer from increased symptoms.
Neuropathy usually progresses slowly, over years or even decades. However, slowly but surely, as nerves become increasingly damaged, symptoms get worse. Intermittent tingling and burning sensations eventually evolve into constant, significant pain. In some situations, the symptoms of neuropathy may decrease but not go away completely.
The good news for people living with neuropathy is that it is sometimes reversible. Simply by addressing contributing causes, such as underlying infections, exposure to toxins, or vitamin and hormone deficiencies, the symptoms of neuropathy often resolve on their own.
