Peripheral Neuropathy
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder resulting from injury to peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is inflammation, injury, or deterioration of the peripheral nerve fibers. Peripheral neuropathy can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment. ¹, ¹¹ However, there are other common causes of peripheral neuropathy that are unrelated to cancer, including:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Nutritional imbalances, especially vitamin B12 or B6 deficiencies
• Some kidney diseases
• Alcohol abuse
• HIV/AIDS
• Lead poisoning
• Hypothyroidism
• Auto-immune disorders
• Hereditary peripheral neuropathies (such as Charcot-Marie Toothe disease)
• Medications including anti-tuberculosis medications such as isoniazid or ethambutol; antibiotics such as gentamycin or ciprofloxacin; phenytion used to control seizures
• Atherosclerosis/ ischemic disease (blood vessel and/or heart disease)