Peripheral neuropathy is an abnormal condition in which the peripheral nerves are damaged. The peripheral nerves spread out from the brain and spinal cord, and peripheral neuropathy results in unusual or abnormal sensations of the extremities, especially the feet.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition and can result from certain metabolic disorders, infections, malignancy, inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, toxins, inherited conditions, and other abnormal processes. A very common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include alcoholism, vasculitis, vitamin B deficiency, vitamin E deficiency, chemotherapy, and exposure to certain toxins, such as insecticides, lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Peripheral neuropathy generally develops slowly over a period of months. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include a sensation of pain, numbness, tingling, or prickling that begins in the feet. In later stages of peripheral neuropathy, the hands can be affected as well. In some cases, the abnormal sensations can extend to the arms, legs, and trunk. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect the muscles resulting in weakness and atrophy. There are other symptoms that can accompany peripheral neuropathy, depending on the disease, disorder or condition that causing it. For more details about symptoms and complications, see symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy and its root cause begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination, including a neurological examination. A neurological exam evaluates the nervous system and such functions as reflexes, sensation, movement, balance, coordination, vision, and hearing.
Tests may include an electromyography (EMG) which tests the nerve and electrical activity of muscles. A nerve conduction test may also be performed to test how fast the nerves transmit impulses.
Making a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy also includes performing a variety of other tests to help to diagnose the underlying disease, condition or disorder that is causing peripheral neuropathy. A biopsy of a nerve in the ankle may be performed. This involves taking a small sample of the nerve to examine under a microscope.
Other tests may include blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies and blood glucose testing to check for diabetes.
A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and its cause can easily be delayed or missed because symptoms develop very gradually. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment of peripheral neuropathy involves diagnosing and treating the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Some conditions can be easily and successfully treated and cured, while others may require more intensive treatment and may not have an optimal prognosis. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of peripheral neuropathy. ...more »
Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves. It may be caused by diseases of the nerves ... more about Peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is the term for damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which may be caused either by diseases of the nerve or from the side-effects of systemic illness. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Peripheral neuropathy is available below.
People with peripheral neuropathy can experience a variety of symptoms, commonly abnormal or unusual sensations. These include sensations of pain, numbness, pins and needles, tingling, or prickling that begins in the feet. In later stages, the hands can be affected as well. In some cases, the abnormal sensations can extend to the arms, legs, and trunk. Peripheral neuropathy ...more symptoms »
Treatment plans for peripheral neuropathy are individualized depending on the cause, the presence of coexisting diseases, the age of the patient, and other factors. Treatment generally involves a multifaceted plan that addresses the underlying cause and helps to minimize the pain and abnormal sensations of peripheral neuropathy and the risk of developing gangrene and other infections so ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and its cause may be delayed or missed because peripheral neuropathy generally develops very gradually and people with the condition may be unaware of it. Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom of many different conditions, so a thorough medical evaluation is needed to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the reason for ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 11 symptoms of Peripheral neuropathy
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Prognosis for Peripheral neuropathy: Timely treatment of injury can help prevent permanent damage. Self-care skills such as meticulous foot care and careful wound treatment in people with diabetes and others who have an impaired ability to feel pain can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Such changes often create conditions that encourage nerve regeneration.
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Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves. It may be caused by diseases of the nerves or as the result of systemic illnesses. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Peripheral Neuropathy Information Page: NINDS)
Diseases of the peripheral nerves external to the brain and spinal cord, which includes diseases of the nerve roots, ganglia, plexi, autonomic nerves, sensory nerves, and motor nerves. - (Source - Diseases Database)
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