Neuropathy

Home » Neuropathy » Types of Neuropathy

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Neuropathy
(Free Handout)

Types of Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be broadly categorized by the type of nerve that has been damaged. The peripheral nervous system is made up of three types of nerves:

• motor nerves (responsible for voluntary movement)
• sensory nerves (responsible for sensing temperature, pain, touch, and limb positioning); including large and small fibers
• autonomic nerves (responsible for involuntary functions such as breathing, blood pressure, sexual function, digestion)

Peripheral neuropathy also can be classified by where it occurs in the body. Nerve damage that occurs in one area of the body is called mononeuropathy, in many areas, polyneuropathy. When the disorder occurs in the same places on both sides of the body, the condition is called symmetric neuropathy.

It also can be categorized by cause, such as diabetic neuropathy and nutritional neuropathy. When a cause cannot be identified, the condition is called idiopathic neuropathy.

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Neuropathy Resources

	Join Our Neuropathy Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.