Peripheral Neuropathy is not a distinct disease, but the
manifestation of many conditions that damage the peripheral nerves
(nervous tissue other than the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms
depend on whether sensory nerves (the nerves that transmit sensory
information from the body to the brain and spinal cord) or motor
nerves (the nerves that transmit impulses from the brain and spinal
cord to the body) are affected. If the sensory nerves are damaged,
sensation may be diminished, lacking or abnormal. Damaged motor
nerves impair movement or function. Peripheral neuropathy may be
caused by direct or indirect injury, or by a systemic cause such as
a metabolic disorder.
Review Date: 04/26/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.
Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of
Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine,
University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch,
PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School,
Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital
(8/27/2010).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
