Peripheral neuralgia overview
Nerve pain affecting the peripheral nervous system
The nervous system in the body is divided into two components – the central nervous system, which describes the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is – essentially – the rest of the nervous system.
Where there is some form of pain that is generated by the peripheral nervous system (and it is not a ‘normal’ reaction to some form of external stimulus) this is referred to as ‘peripheral neuropathy’ or ‘peripheral neuralgia’.
Most cases of peripheral neuralgia affect the hands, feet, arms or legs, although in some people it only affects one specific part of the body, for example a toe or a finger.
The major risk of peripheral neuralgia is that the loss of feeling, in for example the legs and feet, can lead to the development of problems such as ulcers, and damage to the skin in the affected areas.
Common causes of peripheral neuralgia
What can damage peripheral nerves?
Peripheral neuralgia is caused by some type of damage to the nerves, which may be caused by some form of trauma (i.e. injury) or by another medical condition. Peripheral neuralgia also runs in some families.
The most common cause of peripheral neuralgia is diabetes. Other common causes of the condition are:
- Physical injury
- Viral infections
- Repetitive physical actions
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Some autoimmune disorders
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Some medications
- Some cancers
- Some insecticides and solvents
- Disorders affecting the liver, kidneys and thyroid
- Plaster casts placing continuous pressure on nerves
- Vitamin deficiency, especially B12 and folate deficiency
Peripheral neuralgia tests and diagnosis
How peripheral nerve damage is assessed
The first step in diagnosis is a full medical history to ascertain whether any of the risk factors listed above may be causing the problems, or whether neurological issues run in the family.
A physical examination may include initial tests of reflexes, muscle tone and strength and posture.
Blood tests may be recommended to check for diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, and various tests to check the function of the nerves may be recommended, for example, electromyography (EMG) which measures electrical activity in the muscles, and / or a nerve conduction study. In some cases, either a nerve biopsy (tissue sample) or skin biopsy may be recommended.
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