Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy involves disease or damage to the peripheral nerves. Depending on which nerve is affected, sensations, movement, and organ function disrupt. Systemic diseases (such as diabetes), vitamin deficiencies, medications (chemotherapy), injuries, alcohol abuse, immune system disorders, and infections most commonly cause this condition. Chronic peripheral neuropathy means symptoms progress slowly and manifest as mild disturbances. Acute peripheral neuropathy starts suddenly with pronounced symptoms that may later improve or alleviate over time. Rapid diagnosis is necessary for acute neuropathies. Neuropathy leads to painful muscle spasms, tingling, loss of function, bone degeneration, and changes in skin, hair, and nails. Damage to motor nerves results in balance disturbances and muscle weakness. Damage to sensory nerves causes touch and vibration sensations to vanish, making it difficult to sense body position. Temperature and pain sensations disrupt, burning and tingling pain occur, and skin sensitivity increases. Dysfunction of nerves innervating internal organs causes urinary incontinence, blood pressure disturbances, and heart function issues.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology