Patient Education Neuropati Perifer

Patient Education:
Peripheral Neuropathy
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage. It affects nerves that carry signals between the spinal
cord and other parts of the body. These are called peripheral nerves. With peripheral neuropathy, one
nerve or a group of nerves may be damaged.
What are the causes?
Many things can damage peripheral nerves. For some people with peripheral neuropathy, the cause is
unknown. Some causes include:
• Diabetes. This is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy.

• Injury to a nerve.
• Pressure or stress on a nerve that lasts a long time.
• Too little vitamin B. Alcoholism can lead to this.
• Infections.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Inherited nerve diseases.
• Some medicines, such as cancer drugs.
• Toxic substances, such as lead and mercury.
• Too little blood flowing to the legs.
• Kidney disease.
• Thyroid disease.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Different people have different symptoms. The symptoms you have will depend on which of your
nerves is damaged. Common symptoms include:
• Loss of feeling (numbness) in the feet and hands.

• Tingling in the feet and hands.
• Pain that burns.
• Very sensitive skin.
• Weakness.
• Not being able to move a part of the body (paralysis).
• Muscle twitching.
• Clumsiness or poor coordination.
• Loss of balance.
• Not being able to control your bladder.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Sexual problems.
How is this diagnosed?
Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom, not a disease. Finding the cause of peripheral neuropathy can be
hard. To figure that out, your health care provider will take a medical history and do a physical exam. A
neurological exam will also be done. This involves checking things affected by your brain, spinal cord,
and nerves (nervous system). For example, your health care provider will check your reflexes, how you
move, and what you can feel.
Other types of tests may also be ordered, such as:
• Blood tests.
• A test of the fluid in your spinal cord.
• Imaging tests, such as CT scans or an MRI.
• Electromyography (EMG). This test checks the nerves that control muscles.
• Nerve conduction velocity tests. These tests check how fast messages pass through your nerves.
• Nerve biopsy. A small piece of nerve is removed. It is then checked under a microscope.
How is this treated?
• Medicine is often used to treat peripheral neuropathy. Medicines may include:

◦ Pain-relieving medicines. Prescription or over-the-counter medicine may be suggested.
◦ Antiseizure medicine. This may be used for pain.
◦ Antidepressants. These also may help ease pain from neuropathy.
◦ Lidocaine. This is a numbing medicine. You might wear a patch or be given a shot.
◦ Mexiletine. This medicine is typically used to help control irregular heart rhythms.
• Surgery. Surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on a nerve or to destroy a nerve that is
causing pain.
• Physical therapy to help movement.
• Assistive devices to help movement.
Follow these instructions at home:
• Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines as

directed by your health care provider. Follow the instructions
carefully for any given medicines. Do not take any other
medicines without first getting approval from your health care
provider.
• If you have diabetes, work closely with your health care
provider to keep your blood sugar under control.
• If you have numbness in your feet:
◦ Check every day for signs of injury or infection. Watch
for redness, warmth, and swelling.
◦ Wear padded socks and comfortable shoes. These help protect your feet.
• Do not do things that put pressure on your damaged nerve.
• Do not smoke. Smoking keeps blood from getting to damaged nerves.
• Avoid or limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can cause a lack of B vitamins. These vitamins are
needed for healthy nerves.
• Develop a good support system. Coping with peripheral neuropathy can be stressful. Talk to a
mental health specialist or join a support group if you are struggling.
• Follow up with your health care provider as directed.
Contact a health care provider if:
• You have new signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

• You are struggling emotionally from dealing with peripheral neuropathy.
• You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
• You have an injury or infection that is not healing.

• You feel very dizzy or begin vomiting.
• You have chest pain.
• You have trouble breathing.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure
you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
Document Released: 12/08/2003 Document Revised: 05/25/2017 Document Reviewed: 08/25/2014

Elsevier Interactive Patient Education © 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Patient Education Neuropati Perifer

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What are the causes?

• Diabetes. This is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Loss of feeling (numbness) in the feet and hands.

How is this diagnosed?

Other types of tests may also be ordered, such as:

How is this treated?

• Medicine is often used to treat peripheral neuropathy. Medicines may include:

Follow these instructions at home:

• Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines as

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have new signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Get help right away if:

• You have an injury or infection that is not healing.

Document Released: 12/08/2003 Document Revised: 05/25/2017 Document Reviewed: 08/25/2014

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