small fibers and can affect sensory, motor, and/or autonomic pathways. Symptoms are symmetrical and typically start distally (usually in the feet) with pain, numbness, or burning. Progression of symptoms is slow and typically follows a pattern of gradually moving up both legs, followed by the fingers, hands, and arms. Chronic polyneuropathy usually does not result in serious physical disability although quality of life can be significantly impacted, especially due to pain and dysesthesia (distorted response to sense of touch where innocuous stimuli are perceived as very painful).
Approximately 20-25% of cases are thought to be idiopathic, where, no cause can be found. Most cases of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy involve sensory nerves. Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy affects primarily older patients.
While acute neuropathies tend to appear suddenly, progress rapidly, be potentially life-threatening, and resolve slowly, chronic neuropathies progress slowly and worsen over time, but are typically not fatal. Some patients find that symptoms plateau at a given point, while other patients experience symptoms that relapse and remit.
For more in-depth information regarding various types of peripheral neuropathy, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19272511
Approximately 20-25% of cases are thought to be idiopathic, where, no cause can be found. Most cases of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy involve sensory nerves. Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy affects primarily older patients.
While acute neuropathies tend to appear suddenly, progress rapidly, be potentially life-threatening, and resolve slowly, chronic neuropathies progress slowly and worsen over time, but are typically not fatal. Some patients find that symptoms plateau at a given point, while other patients experience symptoms that relapse and remit.
For more in-depth information regarding various types of peripheral neuropathy, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19272511

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