Doctor Decoded: What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
In this video, learn about the peripheral nervous system and what causes peripheral neuropathy—a loss of sensation in the hands and feet.
Your feet and fingers have felt tingly and numb for weeks, and your doctor gives you the news: It’s peripheral neuropathy. It’s an intimidating pair of words, but basically, neuropathy refers to a loss of sensation, and peripheral refers to the peripheral nervous system.
Peripheral neuropathy has many causes, but the most common cause is diabetes. This occurs because sustained high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time. (This is sometimes referred to as diabetic neuropathy.) Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include injuries and certain medications and illnesses, such as shingles and Lyme disease.
References
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Peripheral neuropathy?
Briemberg, H.R., et al. (2019). Approach to a patient with sensory loss. UpToDate.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Diabetic neuropathy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (n.d.). Peripheral neuropathy.
Nemours Foundation. (2022). Nervous system.