Types of neuropathy

Neuropathy is classified by the number of nerves affected, the type of nerve fibre and the cause.

By number of nerves

• Polyneuropathy: many nerves, usually the feet and hands on both sides
• Mononeuropathy: one nerve, for example carpal tunnel syndrome or Bell's palsy
• Mononeuritis multiplex: several separate nerves, often in vasculitis or diabetes

By nerve type

• Sensory neuropathy: numbness, tingling and pain
• Motor neuropathy: weakness and wasting
• Autonomic neuropathy: problems with blood pressure, digestion, sweating and bladder

By cause

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Vitamin deficiency neuropathy, such as B12
• Alcohol-related
• Toxic or medicine-induced, including chemotherapy-induced
• Infectious, such as leprosy and post-herpetic
• Autoimmune, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and CIDP
• Inherited, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• Idiopathic: no cause found

By speed

• Acute: develops over days, as in Guillain-Barre syndrome, an emergency
• Chronic: develops over months or years

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts describe Vata disorders in many groups. They do not map exactly to modern types.

Remember

Nerve tests and blood tests help a doctor find the type, and treatment depends on it.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness that lasts more than a few days, especially with diabetes. Avoid long self-medication and unknown herbal products, and do not use oils, herbs or home remedies on infants or young children without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.