Neuropathy

Neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy refers to a variety of medical conditions that result when the peripheral nervous system which transmits information from the brain to every other part of the body is damaged.

The peripheral nervous system includes nerves in the face, arms, legs, torso, internal organs, joints and nerves in the mouth, eyes, ears and skin.  All nerves not located in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are peripheral nerves.  Damage to these nerves interrupts communication between the brain and the other parts of the body which can hinder muscle movement and prevent normal sensation in the hands and feet and cause pain.

Peripheral neuropathy may affect several nerves (polyneuropathy) or just one nerve or nerve group (mononeuropathy) at a time.  Mononeuropathy is generally a result of physical injury or trauma from an accident, prolonged pressure on a nerve or inflammation.  However, the majority of people suffer from polyneuropathy.  It results when many nerves throughout the body malfunction all at the same time.