Peripheral Neuropathy: Over 100 Types—Common Categories and Features
Classification Overview
Peripheral neuropathy encompasses >100 distinct disorders affecting peripheral nerves. Classification by etiology, distribution, and fiber type guides diagnosis and treatment.
Major Categories
| Type | Key Features | Typical Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetic peripheral neuropathy | Distal symmetric; numbness, burning, pain, weakness (feet→hands) | Diabetes mellitus (most common cause overall) |
| Guillain-Barré syndrome (AIDP) | Ascending paralysis, areflexia; post-infectious autoimmune | Campylobacter, viral triggers; molecular mimicry |
| CIDP | Chronic progressive/relapsing; symmetric weakness, sensory loss | Autoimmune demyelination; treatable (IVIG, steroids) |
| Hereditary neuropathies (CMT) | Foot deformities, distal weakness, sensory loss; slowly progressive | PMP22 duplication (CMT1A), MFN2, GJB1 mutations |
| Toxic neuropathies | Dose/duration-dependent; often sensorimotor | Chemo (platinum, taxanes), heavy metals, alcohol, meds |
| Compression/Entrapment | Focal; specific nerve distribution | Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, peroneal neuropathy |
| Vasculitic / Inflammatory | Mononeuritis multiplex, asymmetric | PAN, SLE, rheumatoid, sarcoid |
| Paraneoplastic | Subacute sensory neuronopathy, etc. | Anti-Hu, anti-CV2; lung, breast, SCLC |