Logan Steele
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that transmits information from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. This damage to the nerves can cause muscle weakness and atrophy. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary based on the type and the part of the body affected, but they can include pain, tingling, numbness, burning pain, paralysis, and muscle weakness. In some cases, peripheral neuropathy can cause a loss of balance, dizziness, and difficulty walking, which can increase the risk of falling and lead to other complications. While peripheral neuropathy cannot usually be cured, there are treatments available to manage the condition and prevent it from worsening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that transmits information from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. |
| Cause | Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves in the body's extremities. |
| Types | Motor neuropathy, sensory neuropathy, autonomic nerve neuropathy, mononeuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, combination neuropathy, sensorimotor polyneuropathy, inflammatory peripheral neuropathy, length-dependent neuropathy, non-length-dependent neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Friedreich ataxia, Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and diabetic polyneuropathy. |
| Symptoms | Muscle weakness, atrophy, and pain are common symptoms. Other symptoms include a prickling or tingling sensation, weakness on one side of the face (Bell's palsy), double vision, loss of balance, loss of bladder control, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, loss of pain or sensation, inability to sweat properly, and loss of control over blood pressure. |
| Risk Factors | Diabetes (type 1 and type 2), kidney conditions, hormone imbalances, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (abnormal protein in the blood), cancers (lymphoma, multiple myeloma), chemotherapy, genetic conditions, certain medications (e.g., metronidazole, phenytoin), overactive immune system, exposure to toxins (arsenic, lead, mercury), and motor neuron diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Kennedy's disease). |
| Treatment | Treatment options include medication (e.g., neuropathic pain agents, antidepressants, antiseizure drugs), physical therapy, wound care, assistive devices, surgery, lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake), and managing underlying conditions (e.g., controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes). |
| Prevention | Regular check-ups and early diagnosis can help prevent further complications and limit nerve damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Motor neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, which is the network of nerves that transmits information from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Motor neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the nerves that control muscles and movement in the body. This includes actions such as moving your hands and arms or talking.
There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. One example of motor neuropathy is multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks focal areas of multiple motor nerves. This results in progressive asymmetric weakness in the patient's limbs, particularly the upper limbs, without causing sensory problems. MMN makes it difficult for motor nerves to send electrical signals to move the body, causing muscle weakness and atrophy. The muscle weakness in MMN typically follows the distribution of motor nerves and does not follow myotomes.
MMN is usually slowly progressive, and patients may experience a worsening of strength, especially in their hands and arms, which can make it difficult to perform simple daily tasks such as writing, washing, or dressing. Other symptoms of MMN include twitching or small random dimpling of the muscle under the skin, called fasciculations. The disease is most often diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 50, and it affects more men than women.
While there is no cure for MMN, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as a healthy lifestyle, can help patients stay active and independent. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a common treatment for MMN, and it has been shown to improve motor function in most patients. Other treatments for peripheral neuropathy may include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications such as antiseizure drugs or antidepressants, and in extreme cases, surgery may be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries causing neuropathic pain.
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Sensory neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, which is the network of nerves that transmits information from the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the United States is diabetes.
The treatment of sensory neuropathy depends on the underlying cause. If it is due to diabetes or a pre-diabetic state, then optimal diabetic control, exercise, and weight loss to reduce insulin resistance are recommended. Other treatments for sensory neuropathy include the injection of intravenous immunoglobulins, methotrexate, corticosteroids, infliximab, plasma exchange, and various oral topical medications. Painful sensory paresthesias can be treated with anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, or analgesics, including opiate drugs.
It is important to note that peripheral neuropathy, including sensory neuropathy, usually cannot be cured. However, there are many things that can be done to prevent it from worsening. Lifestyle choices can play a role in preventing peripheral neuropathy. If an underlying condition, such as diabetes, is the cause, healthcare providers will treat that first, and then address the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can help, while other cases may require prescription medications.
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Autonomic nerve neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, which is the network of nerves that transmits information from the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. One type of peripheral neuropathy is autonomic nerve neuropathy, which occurs when there is damage to the autonomic nerves that control automatic body functions. These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and carry information from the brain and spinal cord to the heart, blood vessels, bladder, intestines, sweat glands, and pupils.
The most common cause of autonomic nerve neuropathy is diabetes, particularly when blood sugar is poorly controlled. Over time, high blood glucose and high levels of fats in the blood from diabetes can damage the nerves and the small blood vessels that nourish them. Other conditions that can increase the risk of autonomic neuropathy include amyloidosis, porphyria, hypothyroidism, and certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Cancer treatments, viral or bacterial infections, and certain medications have also been linked to autonomic neuropathy.
Treatment for autonomic neuropathy focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further complications. While nerve damage often cannot be reversed, early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms. People with diabetes, for example, can work to regulate their blood sugar levels to slow the onset or progression of autonomic neuropathy.
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Treatments for muscle weakness
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. While peripheral neuropathy cannot be cured, there are several treatments that can help prevent it from worsening and manage the symptoms.
Medication
Medications such as mexiletine, antiseizure drugs (e.g., gabapentin, phenytoin, carbamazepine), antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), duloxetine, pregabalin, and gabapentin can be used to treat neuropathic pain. In cases where other treatments are ineffective, opioids like tramadol may be prescribed for a short period. Additionally, capsaicin cream or patches can be applied to the skin to relieve pain in specific areas, but they may cause skin irritation and affect heart rate and blood pressure.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and immunosuppressive therapy
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a common treatment for peripheral neuropathy caused by autoantibodies. Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide may also be used.
Treating underlying conditions
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, or certain medications. Treating these underlying conditions can help improve neuropathy. For example, controlling diabetes through lifestyle changes like stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can help prevent neuropathy from worsening. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be addressed with B12 injections or tablets.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help individuals with muscle weakness learn exercises to improve their muscle strength.
Surgery
In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to destroy nerves or repair injuries causing neuropathic pain and symptoms.
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Peripheral neuropathy causes
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the type and the body part affected. They can range from mild to severe and include tingling or numbness in a certain body part, burning pain, or paralysis.
Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the US and the UK. This is known as diabetic neuropathy or diabetic polyneuropathy. It is probably caused by high levels of sugar in the blood damaging the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves. The risk of polyneuropathy is higher if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.
Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by other health conditions, such as:
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a hereditary motor sensory neuropathy that causes nerve damage, especially in the feet
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare inflammatory disorder where the body's immune system attacks the protective covering of peripheral nerves
- Amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by deposits of abnormal proteins in tissues and organs throughout the body
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, including toxins like arsenic, lead, or mercury
- Poor nutrition or malnutrition, including a lack of vitamin B12
- Chronic alcoholism
- Certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, and epilepsy
In some cases, no cause can be identified, and this is termed idiopathic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy caused by underlying conditions or other factors can often be treated or managed through various means, including medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
Peripheral neuropathy is a general term for nerve damage that causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of the body and bodily functions, including digestion and blood pressure control.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include muscle weakness, tingling, pain, and numbness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. It can also cause difficulty moving the toes, foot drop, hand weakness, and paralysis.
Peripheral neuropathy has many different causes, including diabetes, kidney conditions, hormone imbalances, injuries, and inherited disorders. Certain autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can also cause neuropathy.
Treatment options for peripheral neuropathy include medication, physical therapy, wound and foot care, assistive devices, and surgery. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, treating injuries promptly, and managing diabetes, can also help prevent the condition from worsening.
Yes, peripheral neuropathy can lead to muscle weakness. Damage to the peripheral nerves interrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body, affecting muscle control and strength. This can result in weakness and atrophy of the connected muscles.
