Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves-those outside the brain and spinal cord. This nerve damage disrupts the communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and sometimes loss of function in affected areas, commonly the hands and feet
. There are different types of neuropathy depending on which nerves are affected:
- Sensory neuropathy affects nerves that receive sensations like pain and temperature, causing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
- Motor neuropathy affects nerves controlling muscles, leading to weakness or impaired movement.
- Autonomic neuropathy impacts nerves that control automatic body functions such as blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control
Neuropathy can result from various causes including diabetes (a leading cause), infections, traumatic injuries, metabolic problems, exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications
. The symptoms and severity vary widely, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and functional impairment. In summary, neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord that causes sensory disturbances, muscle weakness, and autonomic dysfunction depending on the nerves involved
