What is a neuropathy?
A person with a neuropathy has one or more malfunctioning nerves. A neuropathy can affect any nerve in the body. A person with a peripheral neuropathy has damaged a nerve that carries information between the body and the spinal cord. A person with an autonomic neuropathy has damaged nerves that control involuntary functions, such as digestion, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation. Common causes of a neuropathy include diabetes, high blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies, and alcoholism.

What are the symptoms of a neuropathy?
Symptoms of a neuropathy vary with the type of nerves that are affected. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include leg numbness and leg weakness. Additional symptoms that occur with peripheral neuropathy include leg swelling, foot swelling, leg pain, rash on the legs, skin ulcers, tremor, difficulty walking, and weak pulses in the wrists and feet. Symptoms of an autonomic neuropathy may include low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, constipation, excessive sweating, or difficulty urinating.

How does the doctor treat a neuropathy?
Treatment for a neuropathy depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for a neuropathy may include vitamin supplements, the complete avoidance of alcohol, or strict control of the blood sugar in a diabetic.