Peripheral Neuropathy
What is it?
The body’s nervous system consists of two parts. The
central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord. The
peripheral nervous system is the sensory nerve fibers and
motor nerve fibers outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Sensory nerves transmit messages about sensations, such as
heat, while motor nerves transmit messages that control
movement. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves in
the peripheral nervous system.
Who gets it?
Because there are so many types of peripheral
neuropathies, they can affect anyone, at any age.
What causes it?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves
are damaged or destroyed. This may be caused by disease,
injury, inherited disorders, metabolic disorders, growths
that put pressure on nerves, poor nutrition, infection, or
exposure to toxic substances such as mercury or lead. Some
common causes include diabetes, Lyme disease, chronic
alcoholism, kidney failure, the varicella-zoster virus
that causes shingles, and a type of food poisoning called
botulism. Leprosy is a common cause of peripheral
neuropathy worldwide, but is rare in the United States.
Polio and diphtheria can also cause peripheral neuropathy.
Some better-known types of peripheral neuropathies include
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome,
carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica. In some cases,
however, the cause is unknown.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend upon the
cause and the location of the nerve damage. If sensory
nerves are damaged, symptoms can include numbness and
pain, usually in the hands, arms, legs, or feet; “pins and
needles” sensations; and tingling or burning. Damage to
motor nerves causes general muscle weakness. Over time,
the muscles will shrink (atrophy). Symptoms can progress
to complete paralysis.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a peripheral neuropathy, your doctor will
take a complete medical history and perform a thorough
physical examination. Your doctor may order a number of
diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, nerve conduction
studies, and electromyography (a test of muscle
reactions), to pinpoint the area of the damage. You may be
referred to a neurologist, who specializes in the study of
the nervous system. Your doctor may order additional tests
to rule out other underlying causes of your symptoms, such
as a tumor. To confirm a diagnosis, he or she may take a
small sample, called a biopsy, of an affected nerve to
examine under a microscope.
What is the treatment?
Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. For
example, someone with diabetes may need to maintain better
control of his or her blood sugar levels. Peripheral
neuropathy caused by a bacterial infection such as Lyme
disease is treated with antibiotics. Other treatments
include dialysis or kidney transplant, identification and
removal of exposure to drugs or toxins, or surgery to
relieve pressure on a nerve. Topical creams and oral pain
relievers can help with pain management. Physical therapy
may be recommended to maintain strength and range of
motion.
Self-care tips
Some causes of peripheral neuropathy, such as inherited
disorders, cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce
your risk of peripheral neuropathy if you maintain a
healthy diet, avoid excessive amounts alcohol, and avoid
exposure to chemicals and drugs that are known toxins.
People with diabetes can reduce their risk by monitoring
and controlling their blood sugar levels. All children
should be immunized against polio and diphtheria.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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