PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Peripheral neuropathy encompasses any disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system

The nervous system is responsible for receiving and processing the information that comes from the environment around us and from inside the body[1]. Thus, it directs conscious voluntary actions, while controlling most of our involuntary internal functions, such as breathing.

How does it accomplish all of this?

Through the emission and reception of electrical signals or nerve impulses, which are conducted by neurons, the fundamental cell that transmits information throughout the nervous system[1].

From the anatomical point of view, the nervous system is divided into[1]:

  • Central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord.
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS), this is made up of a network of nerves that connect and transmit message between the CNS and the rest of the body.

 

The term peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves.

Neurons are cells that conduct electrical signals

The nervous system is made up of several trillion nerve cells or neurons, each of which consists of a cell body and several extensions[1].

Neuron

Myelination is key to ensuring proper nerve conduction

The nerve conduction of the electrical impulses along the axons occurs thanks to the myelin sheath, an insulating protective sheath that surrounds the axon of the neuron.

In the PNS, myelin is made by Schwann cells through a process called myelination[2].

Nerve myelination

More about peripheral neuropathy

Remember that peripheral neuropathy occurs as a result of a deterioration in the PNS, so that the nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord are damaged. As a result, CNS messages with the rest of the body are distorted or interrupted[3].

So, injuries or damage to the PNS can be caused at different levels[4]:

  • in the neuronal body,
  • in the axon,
  • and/or in the myelin sheath.

Bibliographic references

1. How does the nervous system work? - InformedHealth.org - NCBI Bookshelf. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279390/ (accessed June 23, 2021).

2. Bhatheja K, Field J. Schwann cells: Origins and role in axonal maintenance and regeneration. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2006;38:1995–9. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2006.05.007.

3. Neuropatía periférica | NINDS Español. https://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/es/trastornos/forma-larga/neuropatia-peri… (accessed June 23, 2021).

4. Casademont Pou J. Neuropatías: concepto, manifestaciones clínicas, clasificación, diagnóstico, pruebas complementarias y estrategias terapéuticas. Med - Programa Form Médica Contin Acreditado 2003;8:5373–8. doi:10.1016/s0304-5412(03)70997-4.

 

Revised content: September 16, 2024.