Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves, located outside of the brain and spinal cord, provide the means of communication between the brain and other parts of the body, including muscles, skin, internal organs and blood vessels. When just one nerve is damaged, the condition is referred to as mononeuropathy. If many nerves are involved, it is called polyneuropathy.

Neuropathies affect at least 20 million people in the United States. Although there are some cases in which the cause is unknown, peripheral neuropathies have many well-defined causes, including:

• Alcoholism
• Amyloidosis
• Autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Bell's palsy
• Cancer
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic kidney failure
• Connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and sarcoidosis
• Diabetes mellitus -- nearly 60 percent of all people with diabetes suffer from peripheral neuropathy
• Infectious disease, such as Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B
• Liver failure
• Radiculopathy
• Vitamin deficiencies

At UCSF Medical Center, our experts diagnose and treat peripheral neuropathy by focusing on the underlying condition. In addition, the UCSF Neuropathy Center coordinates education, support and outreach programs for patients suffering from these disorders.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007