NEUROPATHY – CAUSES
CAUSES OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
There are more than 150 causes of peripheral neuropathy, with an estimated 10% of the population experiencing symptoms sometime during their lifetime. Diabetes is the most common cause, yet even that accounts for only about one-third of all cases. In about 30 percent of cases, no specific cause can be identified--this is called idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. Some of the known causes are described below.
DIABETES
Diabetes is the single leading cause of peripheral neuropathy, accounting for about one-third of all cases, and is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is estimated that as many as two-thirds of those with diabetes will eventually have nerve damage. This is a key factor in the number of amputations due to diabetes (as the patient loses the ability to be aware of damage to the limbs). Given the millions that may have diabetic peripheral neuropathy, it is unfortunate that so few know about it.
OTHER DISEASES
Many other diseases may cause peripheral neuropathy. These include autoimmune diseases (where the body's own immune system attacks the body) such as lupus, Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and rheumatoid arthritis, hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism, diseases such as HIV, Lyme Disease, leprosy, and other infections, organ failures, and cancer.
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Most common are deficiencies of B12 and other B vitamins, including thiamine. Nutritional deficiencies can be a contributor to alcoholic peripheral neuropathy. Gluten intolerance (celiac sprue) has been identified as a cause of neuropathy. Too much B6 may be toxic for some people and cause neuropathy. Gastric bypass surgery, an increasingly common procedure for the treatment of obesity, can lead to (or complicate) neuropathy, largely due to possible nutritional complications.
ALCOHOL, TOXINS AND DRUGS
Various toxins, including industrial agents and heavy metals, have been found to cause peripheral neuropathy. Alcoholic neuropathy may be caused by the damage from alcohol itself, or from related nutritional deficiencies. Chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy. Medications including heart and blood pressure medicines, cholesterol medicines, medications used to fight HIV, cancer, and infections have also been identified as causes for peripheral neuropathy.
HEREDITY AND GENETICS
Mutations in some genes may be a cause of peripheral neuropathy. Genetic neuropathies may show up early in life and progress slowly over time. Heredity can play a part in who develops neuropathy from other causes.
COMBINING FACTORS
These causes can work together. For example, genetic disposition may indicate who is susceptible to peripheral neuropathy when faced with a certain condition such as diabetes or other disease, or a nutritional deficiency may exacerbate the condition. This can also be referred to as “double-crush” phenomenon in which the contribution of multiple causes of peripheral neuropathy produce symptoms greater than the sum of their parts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
An excellent resource for learning more about the causes of peripheral neuropathy is Dr. Norman Latov's book Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness, and Pain Won't Stop. Visit our RESOURCES section where you can find specifics on Dr. Latov’s book in Helpful Books.