StemCell Therapy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy also called peripheral neuropathy refers to any condition that affects the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connects the central nervous system the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

The peripheral nervous system is made up of 3 types of nerves, each with an important role to play in keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.

Neuropathy results when nerve cells, or neurons, are damaged or destroyed. This distorts the way the neurons communicate with each other and with the brain. Neuropathy can affect 1 nerve or nerve type, or a combination of nerves.

Neuropathy is very common. It is estimated that about 25% to 30% of Americans will be affected by neuropathy. Neuropathy occurs in 60% to 70% of people with diabetes.

Neuropathy affects people of all ages; however, older people are at increased risk. It is more common in men and in Caucasians. People in certain professions, such as those that require repetitive motions, have a greater chance of developing compression-related neuropathy.

There are many causes of neuropathy. The cause can be hereditary (runs in families) or acquired (develops after birth).

The most common hereditary neuropathy is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, which affects both motor and sensory nerves. CMT affects about one in 2,500 people in the United States. CMT causes weakness in the foot and lower leg muscles. Deformities of the feet are also common, making it difficult to walk and often resulting in falls. In its later stages, CMT can also affect the muscles in the hands. There is no cure for hereditary neuropathy.

Acquired neuropathy is much more common. There are many causes of acquired neuropathy, including:

When the cause of the neuropathy cannot be determined, it is called idiopathic neuropathy. About 30 to 40% of neuropathy cases are idiopathic. Another 30% are the result of diabetes.

Symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on the type and location of the nerves involved. Symptoms can appear suddenly, which is called acute neuropathy, or develop slowly over time, called chronic neuropathy.

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Neuropathy | Cleveland Clinic

This entry was posted on October 1, 2018 at 8:43 pm and is filed under Neuropathy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |