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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the four types/patterns of peripheral neuropathy?

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    Thanks

    Dr Nikolas Dietis

    HealthShare Member

    There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, since each one has specific characteristics associated with the specific nerves that are damaged and the organs that these nerves reach. In general, when many different nerves have been affected at the same time we call this polyneuropathy, to differentiate it from the situation when only a single nerve has been affected (mononeuropathy). Another type of peripheral neuropathy that involves different nerves that are not interconnected/communicate, results in asymmetrical manifestation of symptoms (mainly sensation and pain), which differs it from polyneuropathy. Finally, autonomic neuropathy is a very interesting term that we use to describe another type of peripheral neuropathy, where a particular group of neurons are affected; the autonomic neurons. The autonomic neurons are nerves that are controlling our body functions that we have no voluntary control over, i.e. heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, perspiration, salivation etc. Autonomic neuropathy (else called dysautonomia) describes malfunctions generated by the damage of these nerves. This malfunction gives rise to a variety of conditions and syndromes.

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