Healthcommunities.com

Home Health Topics Health Reports Learning Centers Find a Neurologist Medical Website Design Free Newsletters

Neuropathy Overview, Incidence and Prevalence of Neuropathy

Neuropathy Overview

Peripheral neuropathy is a general term referring to disorders of peripheral nerves. The peripheral nervous system is made up of the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord to all parts of the body.


Peripheral nerve cells have three main parts: cell body, axons, and dendrites (nerve/muscle junctions). Any part of the nerve can be affected, but damage to axons is most common. The axon transmits signals from nerve cell to nerve cell or muscle. Most axons are surrounded by a substance called myelin, which facilitates signal transmission.

Peripheral neuropathy can be associated with poor nutrition, a number of diseases (including diabetes), and pressure or trauma. Many people suffer from the disorder without ever identifying the cause.

Article Continues Below



Incidence and Prevalence of Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy affects at least 20 million people in the United States. Nearly 60% of all people with diabetes suffer from diabetic neuropathy.

For more information about diabetes, visit diabeteschannel.


  • Types of Neuropathy »

  • Physician-developed and -monitored.
    Original Date of Publication: 01 Jan 2000
    Reviewed by: Sandeep K. Aggarwal, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
    Last Reviewed: 23 Jul 2007

    © 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Neuropathy
    Neuropathy Overview, Incidence and Prevalence of Neuropathy
    Types of Neuropathy
    Risk Factors and Causes of Neuropathy
    Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms
    Neuropathy Complications
    Neuropathy Diagnosis
    Neuropathy Treatment, Prognosis
    Patient Information about Neuropathy
    One Person Story: Vertigo helped by Chiropractic Neurologist
    Find a Neurologist
    Free Health Newsletters
    Join Our Forum

    See All Health Topics »


    Featured Learning Centers



    Healthcommunities.com

    This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
    verify here.


    This page last modified: 02 May 2010

    MediZine's Healthy Living™ Remedy® Diabetes Focus® MDMinute® Remedy®