Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to disorders of the peripheral nervous system, which encompasses all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It is a common neurologic problem encountered by family physicians and can be classified based on the anatomic pattern of symptoms and, if indicated, the results of electrodiagnostic studies distinguishing between axonal and demyelinating diseases.

Peripheral neuropathy has a prevalence ranging from 1% to 7% in the general population, with higher rates among individuals older than 50 years. It can be categorized into three main types: mononeuropathies (affecting a single nerve), multifocal neuropathies (affecting multiple, isolated nerves), and polyneuropathies (affecting many nerves throughout the body).

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy typically include numbness, paresthesia (tingling or prickling sensations), and weakness. These symptoms can often be painful and debilitating. Most peripheral neuropathies develop gradually over months or years, though some can progress rapidly

Polyneuropathies, which are more common, can be further divided into axonal (affecting the nerve fibers) and demyelinating (affecting the myelin sheath) forms, a distinction that is crucial for diagnosis and management.