Types of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that impacts the peripheral nervous system. In addition to the brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system consists of all nerves in the body. There are a variety of peripheral neuropathy categories, each with its own set of symptoms. Among the most prevalent forms of peripheral neuropathy are: (3)
Mononeural neuropathy
A nerve is affected by mononeuropathy. It can be caused or provoked by an infection, trauma, or tumour. In the affected location, symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling. Treatment for mononeuropathy depends on the underlying cause. Sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome are types of mononeuropathy.
Sciatica is a form of mononeuropathy that affects the longest and greatest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can cause leg and foot discomfort, tingling, and numbness. It can develop as a result of a sciatic nerve lesion or compression. Acute sciatica typically resolves within a few weeks or months. A persistent condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome, causes chronic sciatica. This sciatica type can last for years.
This form of neuropathy is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. It causes hand and finger pain, tingling (pinprick sensations), and paralysis.
Polyneuropathic disease
Polyneuropathy is a disease that affects multiple peripheral nerves. These nerves transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to the remainder of the body. Polyneuropathy does not have a single cause. Injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to noxious substances, and problems with blood flow to the nerves are some of the causes. Damage to multiple peripheral nerves at once can result in a broad variety of symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and trouble walking.
The most prevalent form of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, which is caused by diabetes-related nerve injury. The most prevalent form of peripheral neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, a type of polyneuropathy caused by diabetes. It causes pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the nerves of the ankles and legs.
Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and amyloid neuropathy are additional forms of polyneuropathies.
Radicular pathology
Radiculopathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects spinal nerve origins. This condition can produce limb and leg pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. There are numerous types of radiculopathy, each of which is induced by a unique underlying condition. Lumbar radiculopathy, affecting the lower spine, is the most prevalent type. Other varieties include cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), and sacral (tailbone) radiculopathy.
Disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and tumours are among the causes of radiculopathy. In the majority of cases, the root cause of the condition is unknown.
Lumbar radiculopathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy affecting the lower spine. Compression or irritation of one or more lumbar nerve roots (L4, L5) can cause this condition. This can occur when abnormalities in the bones or discs of the vertebrae, such as a herniated disc, are present. Additionally, a tumour or an infection can induce lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms include lower back and one leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Medication, physical therapy, and surgery are all potential treatments.
