Acquired peripheral neuropathy

Acquired peripheral neuropathy refers to a broad group of disorders in which the peripheral nerves — the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord — become damaged due to non-inherited causes. Unlike hereditary neuropathies, acquired forms result from external or systemic factors such as autoimmune conditions, infections, metabolic disorders (notably diabetes mellitus), toxic exposures (including chemotherapy, alcohol, and heavy metals), nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12 deficiency), inflammatory processes, or paraneoplastic syndromes. In some cases, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic acquired peripheral neuropathy). The condition primarily affects the peripheral nervous system, including sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. Key symptoms depend on the type of nerve fibers involved and may include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of sensation (particularly in the hands and feet in a "stocking-glove" distribution), muscle weakness, muscle wasting, reduced reflexes, and autonomic dysfunction such as abnormal blood pressure regulation, gastrointestinal disturbances, or sweating abnormalities. The presentation can be acute or chronic, and may involve a single nerve (mononeuropathy), multiple individual nerves (mononeuropathy multiplex), or a diffuse, symmetric pattern (polyneuropathy). Treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. For autoimmune-mediated neuropathies such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) or Guillain-Barré syndrome, immunomodulatory therapies including intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and corticosteroids may be effective. Symptomatic management of neuropathic pain often involves medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or tricyclic antidepressants. Physical therapy and occupational therapy play important roles in maintaining function and mobility. Prognosis varies widely depending on the etiology, with some forms being reversible if the underlying cause is treated promptly, while others may lead to progressive and irreversible nerve damage.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Acquired peripheral neuropathy