What does it mean to analyze peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a problem that cannot be ignored. It is a disease that originates from structural or functional damage to the peripheral nervous system. The cause is actually quite complicated. It may be caused by nutritional metabolism, drug poisoning, some tumor problems, or genetic factors.

1. Peripheral nerves refer to cranial nerves, spinal nerves, autonomic nerves and their ganglia other than olfactory and optic nerves. Peripheral neurology refers to diseases that occur primarily due to structural or functional damage to the peripheral nervous system. Peripheral nerves are functionally divided into two parts: sensory afferent and motor efferent. The former is composed of the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves, the dorsal root ganglia and the cranial sensory nerves. Peripheral nerve fibers can be divided into two types: myelinated and unmyelinated.

2. The cause of the disease is complex and may be related to nutritional metabolism, drugs and poisoning, vasculitis, tumors, genetics, trauma or mechanical compression. They selectively damage different parts of the peripheral nerves, resulting in corresponding clinical manifestations. The axonal transport system is of great significance in the pathogenesis of peripheral nerves. There are neurofilaments and microtubules arranged in longitudinal bundles in the axon, which are connected by cross bridges. They transport nerve growth factors and various substances required for axon regeneration from the neuron cell body to the distal end of the axon, playing a nutritional and metabolic role; they can also affect the signal transmission of neurons and enhance their metabolic activity. Axons are extremely sensitive to toxins. When diseased, involvement of forward transport can lead to metabolic disorders of cell membrane components and neurotransmitters at the distal end of the axons; involvement of reverse transport can cause axonal regeneration disorders.

3. Peripheral nerve diseases have many specific symptoms and signs. Sensory impairment mainly manifests as sensory loss, paresthesia, pain, and sensory ataxia; movement disorders include motor nerve irritation and paralysis symptoms. The main symptoms of irritation are fasciculations, muscle fiber twitching, painful cramps, etc., while decreased or loss of muscle strength and muscle atrophy are symptoms of motor nerve paralysis. In addition, patients with peripheral nerve diseases often have reduced or absent tendon reflexes. Autonomic nerve damage is often manifested as anhidrosis, piloerection disorder and orthostatic hypotension. In severe cases, there may be no tears, no salivation, impotence and bladder and rectal dysfunction.