What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Multiple Peripheral Neuritis
• Peripheral Mononeuritis
• Peripheral Polyneuropathy

What is Peripheral Neuropathy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that develops mostly in adults, due to a disruption in the communication between the brain and spinal cord
• The brain is composed of several nerves that are responsible for delivering messages to the spinal cord. The information sent to the spinal cord is then carefully translated in order to carry out the desired function. However, a disruption to these nerves causes an interruption to the communication preventing the message from being delivered
• This may lead to signs and symptoms such as pain, lack of coordination, trouble with sleep, loss of appetite, and an inability to respond to emotions
• Poorly-controlled diabetes, kidney abnormalities, and stress, as well as poor diet and alcoholism are considered risk factors for developing the condition. Thus, making good lifestyle choices and promptly treating conditions that could lead to Peripheral Neuropathy can help prevent the same
• Although a genetic mutation is suspected in Peripheral Neuropathy, other factors such as infections, diabetes, liver or kidney damage, the use of crutches, and trauma owing to accidents, are some factors that are known to cause the condition
• Peripheral Neuropathy is a complicated disorder and may have more than one causative factors or conditions. A physician might employ several methods, from physical examination, to blood tests and organ function assessment to arrive at a diagnosis
• Treatment options usually depend on the cause of the condition. If the underlying cause(s) can be treated, the patients might obtain relief from Peripheral Neuropathy

Who gets Peripheral Neuropathy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Peripheral Neuropathy is commonly seen among adults; both men and women are affected
• Current studies do not show that the condition is more prevalent in a particular set of racial or ethnic group

What are the Risk Factors for Peripheral Neuropathy? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors associated with Peripheral Neuropathy include:

• Poorly-controlled diabetes which can lead to several complications
• Use or abuse of alcohol affecting the liver
• Poor diet
• Infections 
• Pre-existing conditions or disorders that involve various organs of the body, such as the kidney, liver, or thyroid
• Stress, which affects the health and body

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy? (Etiology)

Peripheral Neuropathy may develop due to a host of several factors that may include:

• A genetic mutation affecting the communication between the brain and spinal cord
• Alcohol abuse
• A poor diet: Individuals with poor diet might be lacking vitamins, especially B1, B6, and B12, which are crucial for the nerves to function normally
• A car accident or an injury from a sport: A sudden trauma can disrupt the communication between the brain and spinal cord
• Use of crutches for a long duration: This places continuous pressure on the nerves within the area severing the nerves and ultimately cutting-off their ability to communicate
• Kidney or liver conditions

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

The signs and symptoms associated with Peripheral Neuropathy include:

• Generalized pain in the body (e.g. muscle spasm)
• Bone abnormality
• Changes present along the skin, nails, and hair
• Loss of sensation (e.g. in the hands and feet)
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Unable to respond to emotional inputs
• Having trouble with sleep
• Heart-related abnormalities that may lead to a heart attack
• Difficulty in controlling urination
• Stomach-related signs and symptoms that include vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

How is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition encompassing several causes and symptoms. It is a difficult disorder to diagnose. A physician may employ one or more of the following methods to arrive at a diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy:

• Patient history and complete physical examination
• Understanding the patient’s way of life, risk factors that increases the chances for developing the condition, and any evidence of drug abuse
• Neurological examination: This examination is performed to evaluate the strength in the extremities (arms and legs) and the ability to coordinate and balance movements
• Blood tests to assess the amount of nutrients, level of sugar in blood, and function of organs such as the kidney, liver, and thyroid
• Imaging studies to evaluate health of the organs: A CT or MRI scan may be requested to assess the structure and function of the brain and other organs)
• An electromyography (EMG) to directly evaluate the function of the nerves: The EMG is responsible for recording all activities that occur within the muscles, allowing the physician to locate any abnormalities if present

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Peripheral Neuropathy?

The possible complications associated with Peripheral Neuropathy include:

• Possible loss of sensation in the body (e.g. in the hands and feet)
• Developing infections owing to being unaware of the injuries, due to loss of sensation

How is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?

Generally, the treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy depends on whether the cause is identified or not. The treatment may include the following measures:

• Alcohol abuse: The individual shall be advised to stop the use of alcohol. Some individuals may require counseling to overcome this stage
• Vitamin deficiency: Individuals may be given vitamin supplements to help treat the condition
• Use of crutches or a tight cast: Avoiding the use of crutches or removing the cast may resolve the condition
• Gene mutation: Even though not all cases arise due to a genetic defect, cases that are associated with a family history will require genetic counseling to educate the individual on the condition and provide support. Such individuals will likely be recommended to perform regular examination of their extremities, as they are likely to lose their sensation and will not feel any pain if they are injured
• Medication may be administered to treat the underlying symptoms, such as for stomach, kidney, liver or thyroid related conditions

How can Peripheral Neuropathy be Prevented?

Currently, the best method to avoid the progression of Peripheral Neuropathy is by making better lifestyle choices. These may include:

• Diet: A healthy diet with a balanced mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables can with sufficient amount of nutrients and vitamins
• Being physically active: Not leading a sedentary life and being active will pave the way for a much healthier life and prevent conditions that could possibly lead to Peripheral Neuropathy
• Medication for conditions that could potentially result in Peripheral Neuropathy can help prevent individuals from developing chronic symptoms

What is the Prognosis of Peripheral Neuropathy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Peripheral Neuropathy is dependent upon the damage to the nerves that has taken place.

• In some cases, the damage may affect the individuals’ daily activities, while in other cases the affected individuals may have no apparent symptoms
• Generally, if the cause for the development of Peripheral Neuropathy is identified, the prognosis is good
• However, it is observed that in many cases, the cause for the development of Peripheral Neuropathy may not be identifiable, leading to a poor prognosis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Peripheral Neuropathy:

Peripheral Neuropathy is a very common condition that can develop due to several factors. It is important to identify it early so that it can be treated appropriately and before it progresses to its chronic form. If the condition develops to its chronic form there may be no treatment measures adequately available to cure the condition, even if the cause is known.