What Is Peripheral Neuropathy? Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatments

An estimated 20 million people in the US have some form of peripheral neuropathy.¹ Learn about neuropathy, causes and symptoms, and how doctors diagnose and treat the condition.

What is neuropathy?

Peripheral nerves are the nerves that reside outside of your brain and spinal cord.² These nerves send information from the brain to different parts of the body. They also send information from the body to the brain. If these nerves are damaged, it can lead to neuropathy.²

There are many different possible causes of peripheral neuropathy, and symptoms are different depending on which nerves are affected.¹

Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy) or two or more nerves (polyneuropathy).¹

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy, but a wide range of health conditions can cause it.³ These can range from developed medical issues like kidney disease or autoimmune disorders to certain cancer treatments.³

Some cases of peripheral neuropathy are caused by injury or pressure on a nerve.³

What are the symptoms?

The nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system control a lot of different body functions.¹ Some nerves control sensation, some control muscle movement, and some control functions like blood pressure and digestion.¹

Depending on the type of nerves that are damaged, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can range widely, from pain and a tingling sensation in the hands or feet, numbness or inability to feel pain, heat intolerance, loss of ability to sense position, GI/digestive problems, uncontrolled muscle twitching, bladder control, or muscle weakness.¹

What are the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy?

Some people may be more at risk for developing neuropathies. Risk factors for neuropathy are wide-ranging and can include (but are not limited to):¹

How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?

A neurologist can help diagnose neuropathy using a variety of tests. These may include physical and neurological exams, nerve conduction velocity (NVC) tests, Electromyography tests (EMG), nerve biopsy, and imaging tests (such as MRI and CT scans).²

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

Peripheral neuropathy treatment will depend on the cause and type of nerve damage, where it’s located, and your symptoms.¹ Your doctor will explain which nerves are damaged and how to best treat your neuropathy.

Some people need medications. Others need mechanical aids, such as hand or foot braces. Some types of neuropathies may require surgery.¹

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment at Crystal Run Healthcare

The neurologists at Crystal Run Healthcare are expertly trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat neurological disorders, including peripheral neuropathy.

We coordinate care with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care and the latest treatments.

Schedule an appointment today at CrystalRunHealthcare.com/specialties/neurology.

 Sources:

1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral Neuropathy. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy, Accessed 3/26/2024 
2. MedlinePlus. Peripheral Neuropathy. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000593.htm, Accessed 3/26/2024
3. MedlinePlus. Peripheral Nerve Disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/peripheralnervedisorders.html, Accessed 3/26/2024