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What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder. It maycause numbness, tingling, and weakness. It canalso cause pain. These symptoms usually start inthe longest nerves in the body and so first affect thefeet and later the hands. This is sometimes calledthe “stocking-glove” pattern. The symptoms usuallyspread slowly and evenly up the legs and arms. Otherbody parts might also be affected. Most people whodevelop peripheral neuropathy are over age 55. Butpeople can be affected at any age.“Stocking-Glove” Pattern ofPeripheral Neuropathy SymptomsWhat Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?Peripheral neuropathy has many forms and causes.Some of the causes are still unknown. The mostcommon cause is diabetes. Other common causesinclude alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, autoimmuneprocesses (where the body’s own immune systemattacks parts of the nerves), and genes. Exposure tocertain drugs or toxins can lead to neuropathy. Directpressure or compression of a single nerve—like incarpal tunnel syndrome—may cause it to malfunction.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED

What Are the Symptoms?The early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:• Tingling• Burning• Pricking, stabbing, or shock-like pain• Muscle cramping• Numbness• Sensitivity to touchOver the years, nerve damage may worsen. Latersymptoms can include:• Weakness• Loss of muscle mass• Digestive problems• Erectile dysfunction in men• Dizziness• Balance and walking problems• Increased risk of ulcers or infections in the feetMost types of neuropathy develop and progress slowly.But some types come on quickly. For instance, withGuillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder in which thebody’s immune system attacks the nerves, neuropathysymptoms appear suddenly and progress rapidly.Then they slowly get better as damaged nerves heal.Did you know?Neurologists are medical doctors who specializein disorders of the brain and nerves. They are thespecialists who often diagnose and treat peoplewith peripheral neuropathy.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED

Living with Peripheral NeuropathyLifestyle changes may also help relieve symptoms.Try to:• Stop smoking. Nicotine has been found to increasepain perception.• Limit alcohol consumption. While alcohol maytemporarily relieve pain, abuse can worsen symptoms.• Eat a healthy diet.• Avoid excess vitamin B 6, which can cause neuropathy atlevels of more than 100 mg daily.Living with neuropathy can affect many parts of your life.Many people find relief and support from individual orgroup counseling specifically focused on pain and relatedissues. Chronic pain support groups may also help. SeeResources for organizations to contact.Partnering with Your NeurologistTo provide the best care, your neurologist needs to knowall about your symptoms and medical history. Likewise,you need to get answers to your questions. Keeping anotebook about your condition and bringing a few wellorganizedquestions to your appointments can be helpful.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED

For Family and FriendsLiving with neuropathy can result in emotionssuch as fear, anger, and hopelessness—for thepeople with the condition and for loved ones.Many people find that support groups are asource of help, comfort, and information. SeeResources for organizations to contact.Help Us Cure Brain DiseaseMake a Donation to ResearchThe American Brain Foundation supports vitalresearch and education to discover causes, improvedtreatments, and cures for brain and other nervoussystem diseases. To learn more or to make a donationto support research, visit www.CureBrainDisease.org.Make Your Voice HeardTo keep research advancing toward future cures andtreatments for brain disease, it is important for peopleaffected by neurologic disorders to advocate for moreresearch funding. Contact your members of Congressand ask them to support neurology research byincreasing funding for the National Institutes of Health(NIH). Look up your Congressional representatives atwww.senate.gov and www.house.gov. Your voice canmake a difference.Take Part in ResearchPeople are needed for clinical trials that can helpfind new treatments for neurologic disorders. Clinicaltrials are research studies. They help ensure thatnew drugs are both safe and effective. Ask yourneurologist how to volunteer for a clinical trial. Youcan also find trials through patient organizations orthe American Academy of Neurology website atwww.aan.com/view/clinicaltrials.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED

www.aan.com(800) 879-1960The American Academy of Neurology, an association of25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, isdedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centeredneurologic care. For more information about the AmericanAcademy of Neurology, visit www.aan.com.Cover photo by Jim HopwoodSAMPLE COPYRIGHTED©2012 American Academy of Neurology Institute