Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to the condition that results from damaged nerve tissue. Peripheral nerve damage interrupts the signals passing from the brain to the rest of the body. This can lead to an array of symptoms that range from tingling or numbness in a body part, to muscle weakness and pain.

Find treatment locations
Older woman hugging younger womanOlder woman hugging younger womanGrandfather and child smiling at park

Peripheral neuropathy and the peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system

Your peripheral nervous system is a vast network of nerves that relay information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body.

Different types of peripheral nerves control a different function:

  • Motor nerves control movement.
  • Sensory nerves transmit sensory information to the brain.
  • Autonomic nerves regulate automatic bodily functions.

Together, these nerves transmit the information our body needs to function day to day.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy refers to the condition resulting from damaged nerve tissue. Peripheral nerve damage interrupts the signals passing from the brain to the rest of the body, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The exact symptoms depend on the type and location of the damaged nerve.

There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. To help doctors classify them, they are often broken down into the following categories:

  • Motor neuropathy. This is damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement in the body, such as moving your hands or lips.
  • Sensory neuropathy. Sensory nerves control what you feel, such as pain, temperature or a light touch. Sensory neuropathy affects these groups of nerves.
  • Autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic nerves control functions that you are not conscious of, such as breathing and heartbeat. Damage to these nerves can be serious.

Neuropathies are also classified based on how many nerves are affected:

  • Mononeuropathy means only one nerve is damaged. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common form of mononeuropathy.
  • Multiple mononeuropathy means that multiple nerves in different locations are damaged.
  • Polyneuropathy refers to damage to several nerves in the same location. If you have polyneuropathy, you may have a mix of 2 or 3 of these other types of neuropathies, such as sensory-motor neuropathy.

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Symptoms aren’t always the same

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary based on the type and location of the affected nerve(s). Symptoms can range from tingling or numbness in a certain body part to more serious effects. Symptoms can include:

  • Loss of coordination or dexterity.
  • Loss of feeling in a specific body part.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Muscle twitching.
  • Numbness. This usually starts gradually in the hands or feet and moves towards the trunk.
  • Pain in the limbs during activities that shouldn’t cause pain (like pain in your hands while holding something light).
  • Paralysis (if motor nerves are severely affected).
  • Sharp, stabbing or throbbing pain. Peripheral neuropathy pain can be severe for some people.
  • Tingling (“pins and needles”) in the hands or feet.

When your autonomic nerves are affected

If autonomic nerves are affected, you may experience:

  • Diarrhea, constipation, or loss of bowel control (incontinence) or other digestive symptoms due to nerve damage to the intestinal tract.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, due to unstable blood pressure.
  • Emotional disturbances.
  • Heat or cold intolerance, which is usually related to an inability to sweat.
  • Inability to feel pain in the affected area, which can put you at risk for other injuries.
  • Life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat.
  • Loss of bladder control (incontinence).
  • Sleep disruptions.
  • Trouble eating or swallowing.

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy

The symptoms and body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy are so varied that it can make a diagnosis difficult.

Your doctor will start by getting your medical history and performing a physical examination. This initial assessment will provide your doctor with clues about whether your symptoms are caused by nerve damage.

If your doctor suspects nerve damage, they will do some neurological tests to determine the location and extent of your nerve damage. These may include:

Blood tests. No blood test can definitively diagnose peripheral neuropathy. However, they can indicate if you have an underlying condition, like diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder.

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Nerve cells communicate information by firing off electrical impulses. In an EMG, your doctor inserts a small needle into a muscle and monitors the electrical activity. At the same time, your doctor may conduct a nerve conduction study. Electrodes are placed on your skin, and a small electrical current is passed through them, stimulating your nerve cells. Your doctor can measure how well the nerves are responding to the electrical activity, which in turn allows them to see the extent of nerve damage.

Imaging exams. These tests create detailed images of the inside of your body. Doctors may use them to understand where the nerve damage is occurring and investigate the cause (such as a tumor or a herniated disk). Common imaging procedures include:

  • CT scan
  • MRI scan

Nerve and skin biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue and examining it under a microscope for signs of disease. Your doctor may take a nerve biopsy (usually of a sensory nerve) to look for abnormalities that may be causing symptoms. Your doctor may also do a skin biopsy to see whether there has been a reduction in nerve endings.

Neurological examination. This may involve testing your reflexes, muscle strength, coordination and ability to feel different sensations. Additional tests check for your ability to feel vibrations, sweat and sense temperature changes.

Spinal fluid tests. A small amount of spinal fluid may be removed and tested for abnormal proteins or white blood cells, which may indicate an autoimmune response is causing symptoms.

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

The first step to treating any type of peripheral neuropathy is treating the underlying condition that causes it.

  • For a patient with diabetes, for example, this means working to control blood sugar levels and living a healthy lifestyle.
  • For people with liver or kidney disease, cancer, or other illnesses, this means finding a treatment that manages or cures those conditions.
  • In some cases, like peripheral neuropathy caused by vitamin deficiency, early treatment can help reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.

Unfortunately, nerve damage from diabetes or other conditions cannot be reversed, but treatment can help prevent further damage. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your treatment outlook so that you can create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

In addition to treating the underlying health problems that cause peripheral neuropathy, your doctor may recommend certain treatments to ease your symptoms. Read more below.

Can peripheral neuropathy be prevented?

Healthy lifestyle choices minimize risk.

Not all cases of peripheral neuropathy can be prevented. However, lifestyle choices can play a role in lessening your risks.

Things to avoid

  • Avoid or quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid toxins and always wear protective equipment at work.

Things to do

  • Eat a varied diet and talk to your doctor about taking supplements if you have any vitamin deficiencies.
  • Finally, if you have a chronic health condition, like kidney disease or diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to keep the condition under control. This can help prevent or delay peripheral neuropathy.