Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness, and Pain Won’t Stop

Peripheral neuropathy affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S, including ten per cent of all people who have diabetes. This condition has numerous causes, but can be associated with diseases such as HIV, alcoholism, and lupus, and may result from treatments for other medical conditions, such as cancer chemotherapy. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling in the extremities. Although a widespread condition, most people don’t know about it, and when diagnosed find it difficult to obtain information. Peripheral Neuropathy, by Norman Latov, Professor of Neurology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains what we know about neuropathy, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it.