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Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness, cramps, and uncontrolled muscle movements. It can affect a single nerve or multiple nerves throughout the body, and while it is not contagious, it is often associated with other health issues such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Peripheral neuropathy can have serious consequences, including difficulties with movement and coordination, and in some cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term for nerve diseases that affect a specific subdivision of the nervous system. |
| Cause | Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, which is a vast communications network that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and other parts of the body. |
| Symptoms | Muscle weakness, atrophy, uncontrolled movements, tingling, pain, numbness, paralysis, loss of balance, and difficulty walking. |
| Diagnosis | Autonomic testing, muscle and nerve ultrasound, blood tests, electromyography, nerve biopsy, genetic testing, and MRI. |
| Treatment | Addressing the underlying cause, medication, physical therapy, wound and foot care, assistive devices, and surgery. |
| Prevention | Avoiding alcohol, correcting vitamin deficiencies, healthy diet, weight loss, regular exercise, and avoiding toxins. |
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What You'll Learn
Motor neuropathy
One example of motor neuropathy is multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), a rare disorder where the body's motor nerves are attacked by the patient's own immune system. MMN causes progressive asymmetric weakness, typically in the upper limbs, without affecting the sensory nerves. This results in weakness in the hands, leading to difficulties with tasks such as writing, washing, or dressing. Other symptoms include twitching and muscle cramps. MMN is not life-threatening, and treatments are available to improve muscle strength and motor function.
Another example of motor neuropathy is Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the immune system attacks the nerves, causing numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, trouble breathing or swallowing, and unusual heart rate and blood pressure. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
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Sensory neuropathy
Muscle neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body.
The evaluation of sensory neuropathy typically involves neurophysiological examinations and dermatopathological studies, such as skin biopsies. Treatment and management depend on the classification of the neuropathy, which is based on nerve size and the degree of myelination. Recognising the underlying causes of sensory neuropathy is crucial for providing prompt and effective treatment.
Overall, sensory neuropathy encompasses a range of conditions that result in a loss of sensation and can have significant impacts on an individual's quality of life and physical functioning.
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Autonomic neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system. This system is a large network that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. Peripheral nerves carry signals to the muscles that tell them to contract, which is how we move. They also help control everything from our heart and blood vessels to our digestion, urination, sexual function, bones, and immune system.
The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy depend on which of the body's functions are affected. For example, damage to the nerves that control heart rate and blood pressure may cause a person to feel light-headed or faint when they stand up from lying down or sitting, or when they engage in physical activity. Autonomic neuropathy can also cause hypoglycemia unawareness, meaning that people don't feel the symptoms of low blood glucose. If nerve damage keeps people from feeling these symptoms, they may not take steps to treat their low blood glucose, which can lead to severe hypoglycemia.
If you begin having any of the signs and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, it is important to seek medical care promptly.
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Combination neuropathy
Neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord, causing pain or numbness. It often accompanies other health problems, including diabetes, cancer, shingles, autoimmune disease, or injury. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of neuropathy that affects the peripheral nervous system, which is a network of nerves that transmits information from the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
The symptoms of combination neuropathy can include muscle weakness, twitching, or cramps, as well as feelings of numbness or loss of sensation, or lightheadedness. As the condition progresses, patients might also experience imbalance, emotional distress, or trouble sleeping. Some patients complain of losing sensation in their feet or have problems with motor control. Others feel neuropathic pain in their feet, legs, back, and hands, which can make simple activities very difficult.
The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy usually involves a combination of methods, including symptoms, medical history, physical and neurological exams, and lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests. A definitive diagnosis of neuropathy can be difficult because there are so many different types. However, diagnostic techniques such as electromyography (EMG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help neurologists pinpoint the exact source and type of nerve damage.
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Peripheral neuropathy causes
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that involves damage to the peripheral nervous system, which is a network that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. This condition can affect a single nerve, a group of nerves, or many nerves in multiple places throughout the body.
There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own symptoms and progression. The symptoms depend on the type of nerves that are damaged—motor, sensory, or autonomic. Motor nerves control the movement of muscles, sensory nerves transmit information such as touch and temperature, and autonomic nerves control muscle and organ function that we don't consciously think about, such as breathing and heartbeat.
Some of the causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Diabetes: This is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the UK. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves.
- Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: This is a genetic condition that causes nerve damage, particularly in the feet.
- High levels of toxins in the body, such as arsenic, lead, or mercury.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: This is a rare condition that causes rapid onset of paralysis within days.
- Amyloidosis: This is a group of rare health conditions caused by deposits of abnormal proteins in tissues and organs.
- Autoimmune diseases: These include Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis.
- Traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, and inherited causes.
- Certain medications, especially chemotherapy used to treat cancer.
- Low vitamin levels, especially vitamin B-12.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a type of nerve damage that affects 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. This condition can affect a single nerve, a group of nerves, or many nerves throughout the body.
Symptoms of muscle neuropathy include muscle weakness, uncontrolled muscle movements, tingling, numbness, and pain. In some cases, it can also lead to paralysis, difficulty walking, and problems with organ function such as digestion, urination, and sexual function.
There are many different causes of muscle neuropathy, including diabetes, kidney disease, injury, and autoimmune diseases. It can also be inherited or caused by a hormone imbalance.
Treatment for muscle neuropathy aims to minimize discomfort and reverse the condition. This may include medication, physical therapy, wound care, assistive devices, and surgery. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, correcting vitamin deficiencies, and losing weight can also help reduce the risk and impact of muscle neuropathy.
