What is peripheral neuropathy?

A general term for: "nerve damage". It can take many forms--painful or a loss of sensation/numbness. The causes are multiple. Diabetes is the most common, but exposure to chemicals, neurological diseases, alcoholism, chemotherapy, are also significant causes.

In the extremities: The term peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve dysfunction of the extremities. A common example of a peripheral neuropathy would be a diabetic experiencing numbness in their feet.

Many possibilities: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition resulting from abnormal nerve function. Neuropathy can be due to certain vitamin deficiencies, nerve damage due to trauma, alcohol consumption, radiation, side effects of certain medications, or due to certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the problem. Have it evaluated and appropriately treated.

See below: The term peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve dysfunction of the extremities. A common example of a peripheral neuropathy would be a diabetic experiencing numbness in their feet.

A general term for: "nerve damage". It can take many forms--painful or a loss of sensation/numbness. The causes are multiple. Diabetes is the most common, but exposure to chemicals, neurological diseases, alcoholism, chemotherapy, are also significant causes.

Nerve damage: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage or dysfunction to nerves in your body's periphery (hands and feet primarily, as opposed to spinal cord and brain which are central nerves). Peripheral neuropathy is usually secondary, meaning it is caused by other diseases, injuries, or insults to the nerves, and there are hundreds of different causes.

Nerve damage: "nerve damage". It can take many forms--painful or a loss of sensation/numbness. The causes are multiple. Diabetes is the most common, but exposure to chemicals, neurological diseases, alcoholism, chemotherapy, are also significant causes.