What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Causes and Symptoms

The human nervous system is the complex network through which we can sense, control our movements, and by default, keep essential functions. In case of a small disturbance, the system can have a very big impact on the lifestyle of a person. Peripheral Neuropathy is one of those diseases, which targets the external nerves of the brain and spinal cord, is responsible for the occurrence of the disorder. The disorder is widespread and is known to have affected millions of people globally.

In this blog, we will take a look at the Definition of the Peripheral Neuropathy, its Causes and Symptoms

What Exactly is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is a term that indicates injury to the peripheral nervous system that links the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body. It affects the nerves that represent the main three:

• Sensory nerves: Provide the body with the feelings of touch, pain, and temperature.
• Motor nerves: Manage the voluntary muscle movements.
• Autonomic nerves: Help the body parts that work automatically like the heart rate, digestion, and sweating.

On the occasion that these nerves get injured, the communication between the brain and body will be compromised and a wide range of symptoms may occur. Peripheral neuropathy is not a condition on its own but rather an indication of an underlying problem that causes nerve damage.

Key Causes: Why Peripheral Nerves Get Damaged

There are many possible causes of nerve damage, such as:

• Diabetes (Leading Cause): High blood sugar levels over a long period can lead to Diabetic Neuropathy, which in turn causes damage to the nerves.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Examples are Lupus or Guillain-Barré Syndrome, where the immune system attacks the nerves.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Especially B vitamins such as B12 which is a very important vitamin for the maintenance of nerve health.
• Alcohol Abuse: Might contribute to the lowering of nutrients in the body as well as the direct-poisoning of the nerves.
• Infections: Shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), HIV or any other viral/bacterial infections.
• Trauma/Pressure: Injuries, repetitive strain or compression syndromes like carpal tunnel.
• Medications: Some chemotherapy drugs and other medications can cause peripheral nerves to be damaged.
• Idiopathic: Without knowing the cause, the exact symptoms of the disease still remain in some cases despite thorough research.

Learning about these causes of peripheral neuropathy is an important step for the early detection and protecting oneself from it.

Recognizing the Warning Signs: Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the affected nerves:

Sensory Symptoms (most frequent):

• Numbness or Tingling: “Pins and needles” feeling, which is most of the time in hands and feet.
• Heating, Stabbing or Shooting Pain: Named Neuropathic Pain.
• Overwhelming Sensitivity to Touch or very light pressure.
• Sensory Loss to pain and temperature, thus a risk of harm.
• The loss of balance or coordination, which are caused by the impairment of the senses.

Motor Symptoms:

• Muscle weakness, trouble walking, cramps and foot drop.

Autonomic Symptoms:

• Inability to stand the heat, irregular sweating, feeling of fainting, digestive issues and blood pressure fluctuations.

Patients do not necessarily experience all symptoms, Numbness and Tingling together with Neuropathic Pain being common early markers.

Why Early Diagnosis and Intervention Matter

Profound nerve damage can be avoided when the neuropathy is promptly diagnosed. Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis is typically:

• Medical history and physical examination conducted in detail.
• Investigations like nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG).

In such a case, the treatment that is focused on the symptoms and causes of the disease and the patient’s quality of life, can be improved to a considerable extent.

Seek Expert Neurological Care

Peripheral Neuropathy is a common, complicated and confusing condition, which can be caused by several factors and that manifests with various symptoms. Identification at the onset stage is essential for successful treatment. No one should have to endure the anguish of unknown numbness, tingling or continuous nerve pain.

A specialist medical check-up is necessary if you show the signs of Peripheral Neuropathy. At Sugam Hospital  as the top neurologist in Chennai we execute the detailed neurological exam and devise the most suited treatment plan. We work hard to bring about the recovery of your nerves and better your life through modern treatment and their expert advice.