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What Causes Neuropathy?

Ainsworth Institute

Neuropathic pain affects roughly 2-3%[1] of the general population with an estimated cost of $40 billion per year in treatment related costs.[2] But what causes it? Since Neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe any abnormalities of nerve function and structure, the potential causes of neuropathy are seemingly endless.
Causes of Neuropathy:
DNA - MetallicGenetics – Family history plays a big role. People who have family members with Neuropathy are more likely to experience it themselves.
Toxins  Exposure to lead, glue, solvents, and heavy metals like mercury can cause nerve damage. This can happen through proximity to these agents in the workplace, or through willful abuse.
Physical Injury – The most common cause of nerve injury. For example, spinal cord injury or disc herniation due to a fall or accident can lead to Neuropathic pain. Neuropathy can also be caused by holding still or retaining the same position for too long, as one finds with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Disease – Chronic diseases may cause nerve damage as well. Some of these are Diabetes, CIDP, kidney disorders, or hyperthyroidism.
Virus – Herpes simplex, varicella-zoster and Epstein Barr can attack nerve tissue directly. Lyme disease and other bacterial infections can cause damage to nerves if untreated.
Autoimmune Disorders – Certain autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis affect the peripheral nervous system and can cause various types of neuropathic pain.

EtiologyTerminologyPeripheral vs. Central Nervous System Etiology
Physical Injury/Trauma
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), Type I (reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD)Mixed?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), Type II (causalgia)Mixed?
RadiculopathyPeripheral > central
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)Central
Spinal cord injuryCentral
Inherited/Genetic
Charcot-Marie-ToothMixed
Fabry’s disease
Infections/Autoimmune
Human immunodeficiency virusPeripheral
Herpes simplex virusPeripheral > central
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP)Mixed
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)Peripheral
Systemic Disease
Diabetes mellitusPeripheral
Kidney disorders/renal failurePeripheral > central
Vitamin deficiencies (beriberi, alcoholic pellagra, vitamin B12 deficiency)Mixed
Vascular disordersPeripheral > central
Chemical toxins (isoniazid, chemotherapy agents) (platinum, vinca alkaloids, taxanes), arsenic, thalliumMixed
HypothyroidismPeripheral
AmyloidosisMixed
Multiple myelomaMixed
Pathology
Once the cause is determined, what exactly is the effect on the nerves themselves? There are several mechanisms thought to be responsible for the development of neuropathic pain. These include changes in the density of nerve fibers, alterations in the ion channels, abnormal firing of neurons, inflammation, and changes in ability to transmit signals to the CNS. The pathophysiology of each neuropathy is specific to the disease process causing it.
References
[1] Hall GC, Carroll D, Parry D, et al.: Epidemiology and treatment of neuropathic pain. the UK primary care perspective Pain. 2006; 122:156-162.
[2] Turk DC: Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for patients with chronic pain. Clin J Pain. 2002; 18:355-365.

Dr. Corey Hunter is a nationally recognized interventional pain physician and the founder of Ainsworth Insitute. His publications have appeared in textbooks on treating pain and he is a regular contributor in leading pain management journals.