Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe damage to the peripheral nervous system (Read about "Nervous System"), the immense network of nerves that send and receive information from the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body. Damage to these nerves interferes with the vital messages being sent, which can result in a wide variety of problems. Symptoms can range from mild numbness and muscle twitching to serious breathing difficulty and organ dysfunction.

Peripheral neuropathy can have a wide range of causes. Often it is the result of a systemic disease (a disorder that affects the entire body), like diabetes. (Read about "Diabetes") In fact, diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the United States. About 60 to 70 percent of diabetics have some form of nerve system damage, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Peripheral neuropathy can also result from physical injury to a nerve, caused by anything from an auto accident to a fall, a broken bone to a slipped disc compressing a nerve where it emerges from the spinal cord. (Read about "Bone Fractures" "The Spine") It can also be caused by many other things such as:

• viruses such as varicella-zoster (the cause of chicken pox and shingles), Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex (Read about "Shingles" "Herpes")
• bacterial infections such as Lyme Disease (Read about "Microorganisms" "Lyme Disease")
• autoimmune disorders such as certain forms of arthritis (Read about "Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases")
• diseases that affect the immune system, such as AIDS (Read about "The Immune System" "HIV / AIDS")
• Guillain-Barre syndrome (Read about "Guillain-Barre syndrome")
• blood vessel damage from any number of causes (Read about "The Heart & Cardiovascular System" "Vascular System: Arteries & Veins")
• kidney disease (Read about "Kidney Disease")
• liver disease or disorders (Read about "The Liver")
• metabolic disorders
• hormonal imbalances (Read about "Endocrine System")
• cancers and tumors (Read about "Cancer: What It Is")
• alcoholism (Read about "Alcoholism")
• malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies (Read about "Vitamins & Minerals")
• repetitive stress (Read about "Repetitive Stress")
• exposure to toxins, such as industrial chemicals and heavy metals
• certain medications

Symptoms

More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, according to NINDS. Each has its own set of symptoms that vary according to the type of nerve damaged and the extent of the damage. There are three main categories of nerves:

• Motor - Motor nerves direct movements a person can control, like walking, talking and grasping.
• Sensory - Sensory nerves send information about what a person feels, like vibrations, pressure, pain and temperature.
• Autonomic - Autonomic nerves control bodily functions a person cannot consciously control, like breathing, digesting food and sweating.

While some neuropathies can affect all three nerve types, many affect just one.

Symptoms of motor neuropathy include muscle weakness (the most common symptom), muscle twitching or spasms, pain, cramping and even degenerative symptoms such as muscle loss and bone degeneration (which can also happen with damage to sensory or autonomic nerves).

Symptoms of sensory neuropathy can include numbness in the limbs and extremities, loss of reflexes, coordination and balance problems, inability to feel changes in temperature or pain or a hypersensitivity to pain. Peripheral sensory neuropathy is an especially common problem in diabetics (Read about "Diabetes") and can result in recurrent foot ulcerations. Untreated, this problem can eventually lead to the need for an amputation.

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy vary greatly, depending on which organs or glands are affected. They can include problems with perspiration, bladder control (Read about "Incontinence"), blood pressure, sexual response (Read about "Erectile Dysfunction") and gastrointestinal functions. (Read about "Digestive System") Autonomic nerve damage can be life threatening when it impairs breathing or causes an irregular heartbeat. (Read about "Arrhythmia")

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy differs depending on the cause and is aimed at treating the underlying condition as well as relieving the symptoms, according to NINDS. For example, if it caused by diabetes, treatment involves control of the diabetes. If it is caused by a tumor or ruptured disc, treatment would involve removal of the tumor or repair of the disc. Medication can help alleviate some pain, while mechanical aids, such as braces or splints, can help compensate for muscle weakness. A pain management program may be needed to cope with pain. (Read about "Chronic Pain") Different types of medications can be used to treat the pain of neuropathy, including analgesics, antidepressants and topical anesthetics. Pregabalin is another oral medication that can be used for treating pain caused by neurologic diseases. You should talk with your doctor to determine the best medication for you. Alternative treatments such as biofeedback or yoga may be helpful. (Read about "Complementary & Alternative Medicine Therapies")

It is important for people with peripheral neuropathy to take precautions to avoid burns. (Read about "Burn Prevention") They should also regularly inspect their skin for cuts or wounds that may not be healing, so as to avoid infections. (Read about "Wound Care")

Prognosis for people with peripheral neuropathy depends largely on the underlying cause. Recovery is usually slow, but peripheral nerves have the ability to regenerate, as long as the nerve itself has not been killed, according to NINDS. Some patients may fully recover, while others may have some residual effects such as sensory or motor deficiencies.

Related Information:

    Brain/Mental Health/Nervous System