Peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy is a dysfunction or disease of the peripheral nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy is a commonly used clinical term to refer to symmetrical polyneuropathy. There are numerous causes of painful peripheral neuropathies including trauma, metabolic, ischemic, infection, nutritional deficiency, paraneoplastic, radiation, genetic, toxic exposure, and idiopathic. Diabetes is the most common identifiable cause of painful polyneuropathies in the United States. Painful symmetrical polyneuropathies are classified by the affected nerve fiber type, chronicity, clinical topography, and modalities affected (motor, sensory, autonomic). History, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic studies play a critical role in forming a limited differential diagnosis. Laboratory studies, CSF analysis, and skin and nerve biopsies are then performed to identify the specific etiology of the disease. A thorough diagnostic workup is important to identify treatable causes and to prevent progression of the disease. Pharmacological treatment is the primary modality to treating neuropathic pain as a result of a peripheral neuropathy.