Conditions We Treat

Neuropathy is the medical term for disease or dysfunction of the nerves. When nerve cells (neurons) are damaged, they cannot effectively communicate with the brain. It affects peripheral nerves, which are those that connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of your body.

There are three types of peripheral nerves:

• Sensory nerves let your brain know what you’re sensing, such as telling your brain you are touching something hot, cold, smooth, or rough.
• Motor nerves carry messages from the brain to your muscles that signal them to move a certain way, such as away from a hot surface.
• Autonomic nerves control body functions you aren’t usually aware of, including heart rate, breathing, digestion, and blood pressure.

Neuropathy may affect one nerve or nerve type or a combination of peripheral nerves.

The symptoms you experience depend on the nerve(s) affected.

Sensory nerve neuropathy may cause:

• Tingling, numbness, and burning in the hands or feet
• Severe pain or inability to feel pain, pressure, temperature, or touch in the affected regions
• Loss of coordination
• The sensation that you’re wearing socks or gloves when you aren’t

Symptoms of motor neuropathy include:

• Muscle weakness, cramping, or twitching
• Loss of muscle control
• Decreased dexterity

Autonomic neuropathy may cause:

• Abnormal blood pressure or heart rate
• Sexual dysfunction
• Digestive issues, such as feeling full after a few bites, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation

Medical conditions and other factors linked to neuropathy include:

• Diabetes, which is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy
• Injury to the nerve(s) through repetitive motion due to playing sports or other activities
• Exposure to heavy metals or certain chemicals
• Vitamin deficiencies or imbalances in vitamins E, B1, B6, B9, B12, and niacin

Infections and autoimmune disorders can also cause nerve damage, including a herpes virus infection, Lyme disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.