Research indicates that alpha lipoic acid provides natural pain relief for a number of conditions, mostly associated with nerve damage. These include: (iii.20, 76-77)
Studies suggest alpha lipoic acid could perhaps even repair existing nerve damage in some cases. (iii.20, 76)
Alpha lipoic acid could also help with migraines. In a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial taking alpha lipoic acid supplements daily significantly reduced the both the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Integrative medicine doctors recommend 200 mg three times a day for relief. (iii.39)
Doctors typically use either the World Health Organization's grading scale or the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) to measure severity and duration of symptoms, which can include: (iii.78-80)
Sensory Type | Motor Function | Autonomic |
---|---|---|
Dysesthesia (Abnormal sensation in response to stimuli, such as feeling tingling or pain in response to pressure.) (iii.78, 81) |
Muscle weakness. (iii.78) |
Constipation. (iii.78) |
Paresthesia (Spontaneous abnormal sensation (not in response to stimuli.) (iii.78, 81) |
Difficulty walking. (iii.78) |
Urinary retention. (iii.78) |
Numbness |
Loss of balance. (iii.78) |
|
Hyperesthesia or Hypoesthesia (Increased or decreased sensation; if painful it is called hyperpathia.) (iii.78, 81) |
Impaired fine motor skills (such as difficulties writing or buttoning). (iii.78) |
Changes in blood pressure. (iii.78) |