Neuropathy Pain True/False:
Neuropathy is only associated with the brain or the spinal cord.
False. The brain and spinal cord comprise the Central Nervous System (CNS). The peripheral nerves, however, are involved with sending and receiving signals to and from the CNS for the rest of the body. Much of the neuropathic pain experienced is caused by peripheral neuropathy, which “involves abnormal functioning of the peripheral nervous system. It results from damage to the nerves’ protective coating or to the nerves themselves”. – Center for Peripheral Neuropathy, University of Chicago website: http://peripheralneuropathycenter.uchicago.edu/learnaboutpn/aboutpn/index.shtml
Medications can be the cause of some neuropathies.
True. Some of the medicines used to in the treatment of cancer and HIV can eventually cause neuropathy, hence the term “chemotherapy-induced neuropathy”.
Diseases and conditions like Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme disease, and Shingles are associated with neuropathy.
True. Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions are associated with neuropathies and also include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Sarcoidosis, Celiac disease, and others. Diabetes can also cause neuropathy.
The most common form of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy.
True. Diabetic neuropathy affects mainly the feet and legs.
A small minority of diabetics will develop neuropathy.
False. Almost half of those with diabetes develop diabetic neuropathy.