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You are here: Home > Disorders > Peripheral Neuropathy NINDS Peripheral Neuropathy Information PageCondensed from Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet
Get Web page suited for printing Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) Organizations Related NINDS Publications and Information Additional resources from MEDLINEplus What is Peripheral Neuropathy? 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.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Prepared by: NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Last updated September 29, 2006 |