Description

Neuropathies:- What is peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term for nerve diseases that affect a specific subdivision of your nervous system. Many different conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy, which means a wide range of symptoms is also possible. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect different body parts, depending on how and why it happens. What this name means The term “peripheral” is from the Greek word that means “around.” “Peripheral” in this context means outside of or away from the “central” nervous system. The term neuropathy combines two words that trace their origins back to ancient Greek: • Neuro-: From the Greek word “neuron,” meaning “nerve.” • -pathy: From the Greek word “pathos,” meaning “affliction” or “condition.” Your nervous syste has two parts, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Your brain and spinal cord are the two components that make up your central nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system consists of all the other nerves in your body. It also includes nerves that travel from your spinal cord and brain to supply your face and the rest of your body. Peripheral neuropathy can refer to any condition affecting your peripheral nerves. Healthcare providers often use the terms “neuropathy” and “polyneuropathy” (meaning “disease of many nerves”) interchangeably with “peripheral neuropathy.” Peripheral nerves are farthest from the central nervous system, and they often show the earliest and most severe effects of these conditions Who does peripheral neuropathy affect? Peripheral neuropathy can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity, personal circumstances, medical history, etc. However, some people are at greater risk for specific types of peripheral neuropathy (see below under Causes and Symptoms for more about this). Peripheral neuropathy is also very common with some age-related diseases. That means the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy increases as you get older. How common is this condition? Peripheral neuropathy is common, partly because this term refers to so many conditions. About 2.4% of people globally have a form of peripheral neuropathy. Among people 45 and older, that percentage rises to between 5% and 7%. Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It also can affect other areas and body functions including digestion and urination. The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord, also called the central nervous system, to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. Sometimes symptoms get better, especially if caused by a condition that can be treated. Medicines can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms Every nerve in the peripheral system has a specific job. Symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerves are divided into: • Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration or touch, from the skin. • Motor nerves that control muscle movement. • Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion and bladder function. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include: • Gradual onset of numbness, prickling, or tingling in your feet or hands. These sensations can spread upward into your legs and arms. • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. • Extreme sensitivity to touch. • Pain during activities that shouldn't cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they're under a blanket. • Lack of coordination and falling. • Muscle weakness. • Feeling as if you're wearing gloves or socks when you're not. • Inability to move if motor nerves are affected.

Key Specification Neuropathies

Peripheral nervous system

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