Peripheral Neuropathy

What is Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to your peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are nerves that are not located in the brain or spinal cord. They are found throughout your body and help you feel things. They also control the function of your organs. The damage is usually to nerves in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.

symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

Common symptoms are: Tingling Numbness Weakness Cramping Burning Pain Not being able to feel things that are touched Not being able to sense cold or heat Sensitivity to cold or heat or touch Feeling off balance Dizziness Having trouble walking Constipation

cancer treatments cause peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be a side effect of these drugs: Platinum drugs, such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin Taxanes, such as paclitaxel , docetaxel Vinca alkaloids, such as vincristine, vinorelbine, and vinblastine Podophyllotoxins, such as etoposide Epothilones, such as ixabepilone Thalidomide and lenalidomide Bortezomib Interferon Methotrexate Fluorouracil Cytarabine

causes of peripheral neuropathy

Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Over time, the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nerves. This type of nerve damage is known as diabetic polyneuropathy. It is estimated that around one in five people with diabetes has diabetic polyneuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can have a wide range of other causes. For example, it can be caused by a viral infection, such as HIV, or as a side effect of certain medications.