A Member of the University of Maryland Medical System | In Partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Peripheral neuritis; Neuropathy - peripheral; Neuritis - peripheral
Peripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Peripheral neuropathy means these nerves don't work properly. Peripheral neuropathy may be damage to a single nerve. It may be damage to a nerve group. It may also affect nerves in the whole body.
Nerve damage is very common. There are many types and causes. Often, no cause can be found. Some nerves diseases run in families.
Diabetes is the most common cause of this type of nerve problem. It happens when you have high blood sugar levels over a long time.
Other medical problems that may cause neuropathy are:
Drugs and toxins may damage nerves. One example is heavy alcohol use. Glue, lead, mercury, and solvents may damage nerves. Drugs that treat infections, cancer, seizures, and high blood pressure may cause nerve damage.
Pressure on a nerve near a body part may be a cause. An example is carpal tunnel syndrome.
A bone fracture or other trauma may damage a nerve. Being exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time may too. Pressure from bad-fitting casts, splints, a brace, or crutches can damage a nerve.
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885