Neuropathy

Excerpt

Peripheral neuropathies encompass disorders of peripheral nerve cells and fibers, manifesting secondary to a wide range of pathologies. These include cranial nerves, spinal nerve roots and ganglia, nerve trunks and division, and autonomic nervous system nerves. Several methods classify peripheral neuropathies, including mononeuropathies, multifocal neuropathies, and polyneuropathies. Further subclassifications can be made by separating peripheral neuropathies as axonal, demyelinating, or mixed, essential for treatment and management. The most frequently encountered symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness and paresthesias; pain, weakness, and loss of deep tendon reflexes may accompany these symptoms. Peripheral neuropathies usually develop over months to years, while some may develop more rapidly and be progressive. Peripheral neuropathies have a broad range of severity and clinical manifestations, as they can affect motor, sensory, and autonomic fibers.