Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where the nerves that are responsible for sending signals to the brain and out to the rest of the body are damaged in some way. The damage to the nerves can cause an interruption in brain communication to the body. This may result in weakened muscle movement, deterrence of normal stimulation to the arms or legs, and pain.

Peripheral neuropathies are very common and plentiful and are categorized by the type of pain caused or by what the cause of the damage is.

There are three categorizations of peripheral neuropathies:

• Acquired
• Hereditary
• Idiopathic

Acquired neuropathy is often a result of an environmental factor like a trauma or illness. Diabetes, alcoholism, nutrition deficiencies, Lyme disease, and cancer are known causes of acquired neuropathy. Hereditary neuropathy is less common and is a result of a genetically passed down disease of the peripheral nerves. Idiopathic neuropathy is a result of an unknown cause.