What is peripheral neuropathy?

You are not alone: As many as 20 million Americans suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy according to The Neuropathy Association.

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves-autonomic, motor, and sensory nerves that connect the spinal cord to the skin, muscles, and internal organs.

Motor nerves control movements of all muscles under conscious control, such as those used for walking, grasping things, or talking. Sensory nerves transmit information about sensory experiences, such as the feeling of a light touch or the pain resulting from a cut. Autonomic nerves regulate biological activities that people do not control consciously, such as breathing, digesting food, and heart and gland functions.

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition in which damage to nerves prevents the peripheral nervous system (PNS) from effectively communicating messages between the brain and rest of the body. The messages can be short-circuited preventing them to be sent at all or causing them to be sent at a wrong time or too slowly.

When the peripheral nerves are damaged, it causes irritation to occur throughout the body. Each peripheral nerve in the body has a specialized function that involves a specific part of the body, and symptoms that appear are associated with a particular nerve that has been damaged.

Peripheral neuropathy may occur as a result of damage to a single nerve (mononeuropathy) but is more likely to include multiple nerves (polyneuropathy).

Peripheral Neuropathy may develop early in life however it is more common to occur as an older adult. Some types of peripheral neuropathy occur suddenly and progress rapidly, while others develop more slowly. But it is extremely important to talk to your primary doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms before the disease has a chance to cause too much permanent damage. Your primary doctor will direct you to see an experienced neurologist if necessary.

NEXT: Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy