Peripheral Nerve Disorders
More than 100 types of inherited and acquired peripheral nerve disorders have been identified, each with its own characteristic set of symptoms, pattern of development and prognosis.
Causes of acquired peripheral neuropathy include trauma to a nerve, nerve sheath tumors, toxins, autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances, connective tissue disorders, repetitive stress and vascular and metabolic disorders.
Trauma is the most common cause of injury to a nerve, and can cause nerves to be partially or completely severed, crushed, compressed or stretched. Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States.
About 60 to 70 percent of people with mild diabetes have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage.
Work up includes:
- Laboratory blood work
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) & Electromyography (EMG)
- Physical Examination
- Skin Biopsy
- Nerve Biopsy
Treatments vary by diagnosis and can include a variety of neuropathic pain medications and or immunotherapy.