What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that affects your nervous system, and happens when nerves have been damaged. This may be because of disease, infection, injury, medications, long term alcohol abuse or another reason.
Types of neuropathy
Different types of neuropathy are named according to the body part affected, the cause of nerve damage or the number of nerves affected.
Autonomic neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the nerves that control the body’s automatic functions, such as digestion, blood pressure and bladder function.
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by diabetes and usually causes peripheral neuropathy. It can also affect nerves controlling automatic functions of the body, such as digestion, or nerves in the hips and thighs.
Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves in outer (peripheral) parts of the body such as the feet, legs, hands and arms.
Proximal neuropathy affects the muscles of the hips and the shoulders.
Focal neuropathy affects only one nerve. An example is carpal tunnel syndrome.
Polyneuropathy affects several nerves.
What causes neuropathy?
There are many known causes of neuropathy, including:
- diseases like diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome and AIDS
- long term alcohol abuse
- chemotherapy and radiation
- vitamin deficiencies
- some medications
- spinal tumours
- pressure on a nerve.
Sometimes, a cause can’t be found.
Neuropathy symptoms
The symptoms depend on the nerves involved.
Peripheral neuropathy may cause sensations in your affected body area, such as:
- pain, which is often worse at night
- weakness
- numbness
- tingling, or ‘pins and needles’
- a burning sensation.
Autonomic neuropathy can cause changes in your digestion, bowel and bladder function, or sexual response. Proximal neuropathy can cause pain and weakness in hips and thighs.