There are four main types of neuropathy: autonomic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, mononeuritis, and mononeuritis multiplex. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nervous system which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord throughout the body. The most common cause of autonomic neuropathy and some types of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Other potential causes include certain medications, diseases, injuries, and medical conditions. There are over 100 identified types of peripheral neuropathy, each with their own symptoms and characteristics.

1. Category: Neuropathy © 2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved

2. Neuropathies may affect just one nerve,- a
condition called mononeuropathy, or several
nerves – called polyneuropathy.
The “peripheral nervous system” is part of the nervous
system that includes nerves in the face, arms, legs, torso,
and some nerves in the skull. In fact, all the nerves which
are not located in the central nervous system (which
includes the brain and the spinal cord) are peripheral
nerves.
Category: Neuropathy © 2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved

3. There are four types of neuropathy:
1. Autonomic Neuropathy
damage to the nerves that regulate the body functions that a
person doesn’t control, including the nerves that regulate
heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration and digestion.
2. Peripheral Neuropathy
damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits
information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part
of the body.
3. Mononeuritis
damage to a single nerve or nerve group, which results in loss
of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.
4. Mononeuritis Multiplex
damage to at least two separate nerve areas.
Category: Neuropathy © 2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved

4. A number of conditions can lead to damage of the autonomic
nerves and these possible causes are similar to those for
peripheral neuropathies. The most common cause is diabetes.
Other causes include:
• Alcoholism
• Amyloidosis- abnormal protein buildup in organs
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tumors
• Multiple system atrophy
• Surgical or traumatic injury to nerves
• Certain medications, (including chemotherapy drugs and
anticholinergics)
• Parkinson’s disease and HIV/AIDS
Category: Neuropathy © 2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved

5. More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have
been identified, each with its own characteristic set of
symptoms, pattern of development, and prognosis.
Category: Neuropathy © 2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved

6. • TENS is delivering tiny • This method is based • It is proven that
electrical impulses to on teaching a patient to acupuncture can be an
specific nerve pathways control certain body effective treatment for
through small electrodes responses that reduce chronic pain, including
placed on skin. pain. the pain of neuropathy.
• During hypnosis a • Designed to help reduce
patient receives the muscle tension. They
suggestions intended to range from deep-
decrease perception of breathing exercises to
pain. visualization, yoga and
meditation.
Category: Neuropathy © 2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved