INFO - What is peripheral neuropathy?

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NINDS Peripheral Neuropathy Page

Last updated 19 May 2010

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous

system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to

every other part of the body.

More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified,

each with its own characteristic set of symptoms, pattern of

development, and prognosis. Impaired function and symptoms depend on

the type of nerves -- motor, sensory, or autonomic -- that are

damaged. Some people may experience temporary numbness, tingling, and

pricking sensations, sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness. Others

may suffer more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially

at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction.

Peripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired. Causes of

acquired peripheral neuropathy include physical injury (trauma) to a

nerve, tumors, toxins, autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies,

alcoholism, and vascular and metabolic disorders. Acquired peripheral

neuropathies are caused by systemic disease, trauma from external

agents, or infections or autoimmune disorders affecting nerve tissue.

Inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy are caused by inborn mistakes

in the genetic code or by new genetic mutations.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/peripheralneuropathy.htm

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