What is neuropathy?

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a term that refers to diseases or disorders of the nerves, as nerves anywhere in the body can be damaged as a result of a disease or injury.

Neuropathy is usually classified according to the type or location of the nerves affected, and it can also be classified according to the disease that causes it (for example, the neurological effects of diabetes are called diabetic neuropathy).

Statistically, neuropathy affects about 8% of people over the age of 55.

What are the types of neuropathy?

Neuropathy is divided into several types, including:

Peripheral neuropathy:

It occurs when the nerve problem affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system, meaning that peripheral neuropathy is the disease that affects the nerves in the extremities - fingers, feet, hands and arms.

The term proximal neuropathy is also given to nerve damage that causes pain mainly in the shoulder, thighs, hips or buttocks.

Central neuropathy:

Occurs when any of the twelve cranial nerves (nerves that directly lead from the brain) are affected. Specific types of central neuropathy include optic neuropathy and auditory neuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy:

Is a disorder of the involuntary nervous system. These are the nerves that control the heart, circulation (including blood pressure), digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and breathing.

Focal neuropathy:

Is a neuropathy limited to a single nerve or a specific group of nerves, or a specific area of ​​the body.