Neuropathy

Neuropathy, often called peripheral neuropathy, is not one condition but a group of conditions that result from damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is made up of nerve structures beyond the brain and spinal cord that communicate with the rest of the body. These nerves are responsible for sending out sensory information to your skin and muscles (the somatic nervous system) and involuntary functioning organs such as the heart and stomach (the autonomic nervous system).

An estimated 30 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Several health conditions can cause neuropathy, including diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, Lyme disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more.

Injuries or diseases that affect the peripheral nerves often cause sensory and motor loss. This most commonly begins in the hands and feet, affecting one nerve or groups of nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy may include pain, numbness, tingling, painful cramps, burning, and muscle weakness. Managing symptoms with early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy can help prevent future nerve damage.

Neuralgia vs. neuropathy

Some people use the terms neuropathy and neuralgia interchangeably, but they are different: Neuropathy refers to nerve damage while neuralgia is a type of nerve pain. Neuralgia can be a symptom of neuropathy.

Often described as a severe shooting, burning, or stabbing pain, neuralgia can result from damage, irritation, or dysfunction of a nerve. Possible causes include infection, pressure (from a blood vessel, tumor, ligament, or bone), some medications, injury, and certain conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and chronic kidney disease.

Types of neuralgia include:

• Trigeminal neuralgia: This refers to pain from the trigeminal nerve, often caused by pressure from a blood vessel. This type of neuralgia usually occurs on one side of the face and is characterized by recurrent episodes or “attacks” of severe pain. Trigeminal neuralgia mostly affects people over 50 years old.
• Postherpetic neuralgia: Postherpetic neuralgia is caused by shingles — a viral infection involving rash and blisters. This type of neuralgia is usually concentrated on one side of the body and can range from mild to severe.
• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia: This rare type of neuralgia occurs in the glossopharyngeal nerve (in the throat) and causes pain in the neck area.

If you think you have pain from neuralgia or neuropathy, your doctor can provide you with the correct diagnosis and treatment for your condition.

Radiculopathy vs. neuropathy

When a nerve root in the spinal cord becomes pinched, it is referred to as radiculopathy. This affects the spinal vertebrae, tendons, and intervertebral discs. Radiculopathy is often mistaken for neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.

The difference between radiculopathy and neuropathy is that radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve in the spinal cord, while neuropathy is caused by nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system.

Radiculopathy can be caused by a herniated disc, thickening of the spinal ligaments, spinal infection, benign growths on the spine, and bone spurs in the spine. It is important to see your doctor to determine which condition you’re experiencing in order to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.