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What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder. It maycause numbness, tingling, and weakness. It canalso cause pain. These symptoms usually start inthe longest nerves in the body and so first affect thefeet and later the hands. This is sometimes calledthe “stocking-glove” pattern. The symptoms usuallyspread slowly and evenly up the legs and arms. Otherbody parts might also be affected. Most people whodevelop peripheral neuropathy are over age 55. Butpeople can be affected at any age.“Stocking-Glove” Pattern ofPeripheral Neuropathy SymptomsWhat Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?Peripheral neuropathy has many forms and causes.Some of the causes are still unknown. The mostcommon cause is diabetes. Other common causesinclude alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, autoimmuneprocesses (where the body’s own immune systemattacks parts of the nerves), and genes. Exposure tocertain drugs or toxins can lead to neuropathy. Directpressure or compression of a single nerve—like incarpal tunnel syndrome—may cause it to malfunction.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED
What Are the Symptoms?The early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:• Tingling• Burning• Pricking, stabbing, or shock-like pain• Muscle cramping• Numbness• Sensitivity to touchOver the years, nerve damage may worsen. Latersymptoms can include:• Weakness• Loss of muscle mass• Digestive problems• Erectile dysfunction in men• Dizziness• Balance and walking problems• Increased risk of ulcers or infections in the feetMost types of neuropathy develop and progress slowly.But some types come on quickly. For instance, withGuillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder in which thebody’s immune system attacks the nerves, neuropathysymptoms appear suddenly and progress rapidly.Then they slowly get better as damaged nerves heal.Did you know?Neurologists are medical doctors who specializein disorders of the brain and nerves. They are thespecialists who often diagnose and treat peoplewith peripheral neuropathy.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED
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