Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Nerve damage may be from:
Health problems that can damage these nerves are:
Having certain health problems may raise the chance of getting peripheral neuropathy.
Damage may cause sensory and motor problems in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Other parts of the body may also have problems. It depends on which nerves are affected.
Problems may be mild and then get worse over time. They may be worse at night. A person may have:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood and urine tests will be done.
Your nerves will be tested. This can be done with:
Images may be taken. This can be done with:
Other tests may be:
Treatment depends on what is causing the neuropathy. This can ease symptoms or make them go away. Other treatment options may be:
Exercises may be given to help with flexibility. It may help make walking easier.
Pain medicine is often used. Botulinum toxin A injections may also ease pain.
Medicines used to treat depression and prevent seizures can ease some symptoms.
People with severe problems may need:
Manage chronic health problems, such as diabetes. This may prevent some forms of peripheral neuropathy.
American Chronic Pain Association
The Neuropathy Association
Canadian Diabetes Association
Health Canada
Barrell K, Smith AG. Peripheral Neuropathy. Med Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;103(2):383-397.
Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/peripheral-neuropathy-fact-sheet. Updated August 13, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019.
Peripheral neuropathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peripheral-neuropathy. Updated February 19, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019.
12/1/2016 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T474253/Pe...heral-neuropathy: Attal N, de Andrade DC, et al. Safety and efficacy of repeated injections of botulinum toxin A in peripheral neuropathic pain (BOTNEP): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016 May;15(6):555-565.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.