What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a nerve disorder that affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry signals between the body and the central nervous system. Damage may change how you feel pain, touch, heat, or movement. Common symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, sensitivity, or weakness in the hands or feet.
Quick Facts About Peripheral Neuropathy
Category
Peripheral nerve disorder
Used for
Nerve-related symptoms
Common confusion
Not the same as sciatica
Also called
Peripheral Nerve Disease, Peripheral nerve disorder
Often discussed with
Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
Key Takeaways About Peripheral Neuropathy
- Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
- Symptoms often follow a pattern in the hands or feet.
- Neuropathy is not the same as muscle pain or poor circulation.
How Peripheral Neuropathy Works
Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry messages between the body and the brain or spinal cord. Nerve damage can make normal signals feel painful, weak, delayed, or absent. Symptoms may stay in one area or affect matching areas on both sides.
Related glossary terms: Neuropathic Pain, Paresthesia, Nerve Conduction Study.
Diabetes can harm small blood vessels that support nerves, which may change nerve function over time. A clinician reviews the symptom pattern, sensation, strength, reflexes, and health history. A nerve conduction study may help show how well certain nerves carry signals.
Peripheral neuropathy can involve sensory nerves, motor nerves, or nerves that control body functions. The affected nerve type helps explain symptoms, such as numbness, muscle weakness, or changes in sweating.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we evaluate peripheral neuropathy, we connect the symptom pattern with diabetes history, sensation changes, strength, and reflex findings. Our team also looks for signs that point to another nerve problem, such as a single compressed nerve or a nerve root issue. That distinction helps guide diabetic neuropathy care.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with diabetes may feel burning and reduced sensation in both feet. Shoes may feel uncomfortable, and a small change in pressure may go unnoticed because the nerves do not send normal signals.
Related Terms
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic Pain is pain caused by damaged, irritated, or poorly functioning nerves. The pain may feel…
Paresthesia
Paresthesia is an unusual skin sensation that may feel like tingling, prickling, burning, or numbness. The…
Nerve Conduction Study
A Nerve Conduction Study is a test that checks how well electrical signals travel through peripheral…
Nerve Root
A nerve root is a bundle of nerve fibers that leaves the spinal cord through an…
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Have Questions About Peripheral Neuropathy?
Contact Premier Injury Specialists for practical guidance on Peripheral Neuropathy and related pain management physician work in Stockbridge.