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.
Is there any treatment?
No medical treatments exist that can cure inherited peripheral neuropathy. However, there are therapies for many other forms. In general, adopting healthy habits -- such as maintaining optimal weight, avoiding exposure to toxins, following a physician-supervised exercise program, eating a balanced diet, correcting vitamin deficiencies, and limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption -- can reduce the physical and emotional effects of peripheral neuropathy. Systemic diseases frequently require more complex treatments.
What is the prognosis?
In acute neuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, symptoms appear suddenly, progress rapidly, and resolve slowly as damaged nerves heal. In chronic forms, symptoms begin subtly and progress slowly. Some people may have periods of relief followed by relapse. Others may reach a plateau stage where symptoms stay the same for many months or years. Some chronic neuropathies worsen over time, but very few forms prove fatal unless complicated by other diseases. Occasionally the neuropathy is a symptom of another disorder.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct research related to peripheral neuropathies in laboratories at the NIH and also support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Current research projects funded by the NINDS involve investigations of genetic factors associated with hereditary neuropathies, studies of biological mechanisms involved in diabetes-associated neuropathies, and investigations exploring how the immune system contributes to peripheral nerve damage. Neuropathic pain is a primary target of NINDS-sponsored studies aimed at developing more effective therapies for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Some scientists hope to identify substances that will block the brain chemicals that generate pain signals, while others are investigating the pathways by which pain signals reach the brain.
Organizations
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
email: ACPA@pacbell.net
Tel: 916.632.0922 or 800.533.3231
Fax: 916.632.3208
Neuropathy Association
60 East 42nd Street Suite 942
New York, NY 10165-0999
email: info@neuropathy.org
Tel: 212.692.0662
Fax: 212.692.0668
National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain
P.O. Box 70045
Houston, TX 77270
email: NFTPain@cwo.com
Tel: 713.862.9332
Fax: 713.862.9346
American Pain Foundation
201 North Charles Street, Suite 710
Baltimore, MD 21201-4111
email: info@painfoundation.org
Tel: 888.615.PAIN (7246)
Fax: 410.385.1832
National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
Building 31. Rm 9A06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: 301.496.3583
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA)
2700 Chestnut Parkway
Chester, PA 19013-4867
email: info@charcot-marie-tooth.org
Tel: 610.499.9264 or 800.606.CMTA (2682)
Fax: 610.499.9267
Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718-3208
email: mda@mdausa.org
Tel: 520.529.2000 or 800.344.4863
Fax: 520.529.5300
American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
email: askada@diabetes.org
Tel: 800.DIABETES (342.2383) or 703.549.1500
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3560
email: info.niddk.nih.gov
Tel: 301.654.3327 or 800.860.8747
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/20/2007...#6105
