Knowra Peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is damage or disease affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can disrupt sensation, movement, or automatic bodily functions, depending on which nerves are affected.
Peripheral nervous system : The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord that connect the central nervous system with the body. Peripheral neuropathy affects this system rather than the brain or spinal cord.
Diabetic neuropathy : Nerve damage associated with diabetes, commonly affecting sensation in the feet and legs. Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic peripheral neuropathy.
Electromyography : A diagnostic test that records electrical activity in muscles to assess motor neurons and their connections. Used with nerve conduction studies, it helps distinguish nerve disorders from muscle disorders.
Radiculopathy : Dysfunction of a spinal nerve root, often causing pain, weakness, or sensory changes along a limb. It can resemble peripheral neuropathy but originates near the spinal cord.
Axon : The long projection of a nerve cell that carries electrical signals away from its cell body. Damage to axons can interrupt signals along peripheral nerves.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy : Peripheral nerve damage caused by certain anticancer drugs. Some chemotherapy agents injure sensory nerves and limit treatment through dose-related symptoms.
Neurological examination : A clinical assessment of nervous-system function, including strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, and gait. Its findings help map which nerve functions and body regions are affected.
Myopathy : A disorder of muscle tissue that causes weakness or other muscle dysfunction. Muscle disease can cause weakness without primary injury to peripheral nerves.
Myelin : An insulating layer around many nerve fibers that helps electrical signals travel efficiently. Loss of peripheral nerve myelin slows or blocks signal conduction.
Guillain–Barré syndrome : An acute immune-mediated disorder in which peripheral nerve roots and nerves are attacked, often causing rapidly progressive weakness. This is a potentially life-threatening, rapidly developing form of peripheral nerve disease.
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