Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathies may be inherited from one’s parents or occur as a result of an acquired disease during one’s life.  There are hundreds of causes of peripheral neuropathy.  The first step in trying to treat a patient’s peripheral neuropathy is to identify the cause.  This is done by having a thorough general and neurologic examination. If there are symptoms to suggest a peripheral neuropathy then EMG/ Nerve Conduction Studies can be ordered. These tests allow a physician to study how a patient’s nerves are conducting electricity.  Once a neuropathy is confirmed then a physician will usually order a number of blood tests to look for specific disease which can cause neuropathy. If these tests are unrevealing then some patients will undergo a muscle and nerve biopsy which can reveal a cause for their peripheral neuropathy in some cases.

While some neuropathies have very unique features, many neuropathies will have similar symptoms and therefore even in the most sophisticated hands over 50% of patients will have no specific cause identified. These patients are then labeled as having an idiopathic neuropathy, each with its own characteristic set of symptoms, pattern of development, and prognosis.

The numerous causes for neuropathies include trauma to a nerve, exposure to toxins, autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies (such as Vitamin B12 deficiency), alcoholism,  and metabolic disorders (such as diabetes).

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy Cure
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
Peripheral Neuropathy Research