Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Neuropathy is the term used to describe a problem with the nerves, usually the 'peripheral nerves' as opposed to the 'central nervous system' (the brain and spinal cord).

 

Neuropathy is seen with a number of different underlying medical conditions. It can also exist without the cause being possible to diagnose, when doctors called it 'idiopathic.'

 

Fast facts on neuropathy

Here are some key points about neuropathy. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Neuropathy is a complication of a number of different medical conditions and is a common condition.
• Three types of nerve can be involved; autonomic nerves, motor nerves and sensory nerves.
• Sometimes single nerves, or nerve sets are affected. Bell's Palsy is a specific example of a neuropathy of the facial nerve, affecting the muscles and skin of the face.
• Physical trauma, repetitive injury, infection, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins and some drugs can all lead to neuropathy.
• Most cases of neuropathy are found in people who have diabetes. ^2,3
• With neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, up to 50% of people affected may be completely without symptoms. ^4,5
• Testing for neuropathy is a routine part of diabetes care.
• While neuropathy can't really be treated, the underlying causes can be targeted. ^2,6
• For toxic causes, removing exposure to a toxin, or stopping a culprit drug, can halt further nerve damage.