What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nerves, the vast communications
network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every
other part of the body. It may be caused by diseases of the nerves or as
the result of systemic illnesses. Many neuropathies have well-defined causes
such as diabetes, uremia, AIDs, or nutritional deficiencies. In fact, diabetes
is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Other causes include
mechanical pressure such as compression or entrapment, direct trauma, penetrating
injuries, contusions, fracture or dislocated bones; pressure involving the
superficial nerves (ulna, radial, or peroneal) which can result from prolonged
use of crutches or staying in one position for too long, or from a tumor;
intraneural hemorrhage; exposure to cold or radiation or, rarely, certain
medicines or toxic substances; and vascular or collagen disorders such as
atherosclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, and polyarteritis nodosa. A common example of entrapment
neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome, which has become more common because
of the increasing use of computers. Although the causes of peripheral neuropathy
are diverse, they produce common symptoms including weakness, numbness, paresthesia
(abnormal sensations such as burning, tickling, pricking or tingling) and
pain in the arms, hands, legs and/or feet. A large number of cases are of
unknown cause.
Is there any treatment?
Therapy for peripheral neuropathy differs depending on the cause. For example,
therapy for peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes involves control of
the diabetes. In cases where a tumor or ruptured disc is the cause, therapy
may involve surgery to remove the tumor or to repair the ruptured disc.
In entrapment or compression neuropathy treatment may consist of splinting
or surgical decompression of the ulnar or median nerves. Peroneal and radial
compression neuropathies may require avoidance of pressure. Physical therapy
and/or splints may be useful in preventing contractures (a condition in
which shortened muscles around joints cause abnormal and sometimes painful
positioning of the joints).
What is the prognosis?
Recovery from peripheral neuropathy is usually slow. Depending on the type
of peripheral neuropathy, the patient may fully recover without residual
effects or may partially recover and have sensory, motor, and vasomotor (blood
vessel) deficits. If severely affected, the patient may develop chronic muscular
atrophy.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports a broad program of research on disorders of the peripheral
nervous system, including peripheral neuropathy. Much of this research is
aimed at increasing the understanding of peripheral neuropathy and finding
ways to prevent and cure the disorder.
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