This book describes Peripheral Nerve Diseases, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a medical disorder produced by damage to or disease involving peripheral nerves, which may decrease: Sensation, Movement, Gland or organ function, or Other parts of health, depending on the type of nerve affected. Peripheral nerves transmit information to and from the brain. They also transmit signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral nerve disease normally indicates that these nerves do not work properly. Peripheral nerve disease may induce injury to a single nerve. It may cause injury to a nerve group. It may also have an effect on nerves in the whole body Causes Peripheral nerve disease may be classified as genetic and acquired. The most frequent acquired cause is Traumatic injury to the nerve. Often, no cause can be detected (idiopathic). A. Genetic: Some peripheral nerve diseases are inherited in families. Diabetes is the most frequent cause of this type of nerve problem. High blood sugar levels over a long time can injure the nerves. B. Acquired Conditions that may produce neuropathy are: Traumatic injury to the nerve a. Broken bone that affects a nerve b. Glue, lead, mercury, and solvent poisoning c. Medicines that treat infections, cancer, seizures, and high blood pressure d. Compression on a nerve, such as from carpal tunnel syndrome e. Exposure to cold temperatures for a long period of time f. Compression from bad-fitting casts, splints, a brace, or crutches g. Long-term, heavy alcohol use Other acquired causes are: Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus Chronic kidney disease HIV Liver infections Low levels of vitamin B12 or other vitamins Metabolic disease Poisoning due to heavy metals, such as lead Poor blood flow to the legs Under active thyroid gland Symptoms Symptoms are evident depending on which nerve is injured, whether the injury affects one nerve, several nerves, or the whole body. Pain and Numbness Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs may be an early sign of nerve injury. These feelings often start in the toes and feet. There may be deep nerve pain. This often occurs in the feet and legs. There may be loss of sensation in the legs and arms. Due to this, the patient may not notice when he or she steps on something sharp. The patient may not realize when he or she touches something that is too hot or cold, like the water in a bathtub. The patient may not realize when he or she has a small blister or sore on the feet. Numbness may make it difficult to tell where the feet are moving and can induce a loss of balance. Muscle Problems Injury to the nerves can make it more difficult to control muscles. Nerve injury can also produce weakness. There may be difficulties moving a part of the body. A patient may drop because the legs buckle. Doing tasks such as buttoning a shirt may be more difficult. The muscles also convulse or cramp. The muscles may be wasted and smaller. Body Organs Disorders a. People with nerve injury may have troubles digesting food. Some patients have difficulties swallowing. Injury to the nerves to the heart may cause the patient to feel light-headed, or faint, when the patient stands up. b. Angina is the forewarning chest pain for heart disease and heart attack. Nerve injury may hide this warning sign Treatment Treating the cause of nerve damage may improve the symptoms People with diabetes should control their blood sugar. Replacing a vitamin or making other changes in the diet may help Physiotherapy may help. TABLE OF CONTENT Introduction Chapter 1 Peripheral Neuropathy Chapter 2 Paresthesia Chapter 3 Sciatica Chapter 4 Brachial Plexus Paralysis Chapter 5 Guillian Barre Syndrome Chapter 6 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Chapter 7 Trigeminal Neuralgia Chapter 8 Herpes Zoster Epilogue