Metabolic neuropathies

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Central nervous system

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Metabolic neuropathies

Definition:

A metabolic neuropathy is a disease of the nerves that is caused by a disruption of the chemical processes in the body. In some cases, nerve damage is caused by the inability to properly use energy in the body. In other cases, dangerous substances (toxins) build up in the body and damage nerves. Some metabolic disorders are pass down through families (inherited), while others are develop due to various diseases.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of metabolic neuropathies. Those who have poorly controlled blood sugar are at the highest risk. People who have damage to the kidneys or eyes from diabetes are also more likely to have nerve damage from diabetes.

Other common metabolic causes of neuropathies include:

Thyroid disease
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin B1 deficiency
Alcoholism
Sepsis (severe systemic infection)
Kidney failure
Porphyria

Review Date: 5/16/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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