Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system without a known cause. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and sensitivity. Diagnosis involves ruling out potential sources of nerve damage, and treatment depends on symptoms experienced. Recovery is slow and may not happen at all.
Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition in which there is damage to the peripheral nervous system due to an undetermined cause. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly caused by diabetes, traumatic injury, or metabolic problems, but any peripheral nerve disorder that cannot be conclusively linked to a cause is called idiopathic. The causes of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy are unknown, so doctors can only treat symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness, pain, or extreme sensitivity.
Peripheral neuropathy indicates damage to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the network of nerves that leads from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. There are more than 50 different potential causes of peripheral neuropathy, and approximately one-third of PNS damage is idiopathic or without a known primary cause. Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy is more common in middle-aged and older people.
Symptoms of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy can include numbness, pain, or increased sensitivity in the peripheral nerves. Most patients will first notice symptoms in the hands or feet, but idiopathic nerve damage may occur elsewhere in the body. Muscle weakness is another common symptom of the condition.
To arrive at a diagnosis of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, doctors usually conduct a series of tests to rule out potential sources of nerve damage. A physical neurological exam examines nerve sensitivity and muscle reflex actions. Some neurologists use an electromyography test to measure electrical activity in nerves and muscles. Blood tests are also important to rule out vitamin deficiencies or toxins as causes of peripheral neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may also be helpful in assessing the extent of peripheral nerve damage and ruling out primary causes.
Treatment of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy depends on the symptoms experienced. Doctors might prescribe pain medications that target nerve cells when there is pain or increased sensitivity of the nerves. When medications can’t handle the pain, a lidocaine injection might be used to block a particular nerve. Physical and occupational therapy can also be effective for patients suffering from muscle weakness.
Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy may get better or worse depending on its severity. Nerve cells cannot reproduce, but existing nerves have the ability to heal and grow if not extensively damaged. The recovery process is slow, however, and could take years because nerves grow at an extremely slow rate. In many cases, recovery does not happen at all.
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