| Neuropathy is inflammation or degeneration of the nerves outside the brain or spinal cord (peripheral nerves). The peripheral nerves are responsible for both sensation and movement; therefore, damage to these nerves may result in pain, changes in sensation, or loss of motion (weakness or paralysis).
Pain caused by nerve injury is called "neuralgia." Many disease states such as diabetes, toxic exposure, alcoholism, vitamin B12 deficiency, poor nutritional states, and infections may include neuropathy as a sign or neuralgia as a symptom.
Neuritis is a term used loosely to describe symptoms of pain or numbness without nerve degeneration or objective signs of nerve dysfunction. The term "neuritis" should be reserved for conditions in which actual nerve inflammation occurs, such as optic neuritis seen in multiple sclerosis.
Radiculitis is a nonspecific term used loosely to describe pain or numbness in the distribution of a single spinal nerve root, but without objective signs of neurologic dysfunction. Radiculitis is thought to occur from inflammation of nerve roots found within the lowest portion of nerves within the spine.
These terms represent a vague diagnosis. Contact physician for additional information on the specific diagnosis and corresponding treatment. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Frances, Allen, Harold Alan Pincus, and Michael B. First, eds. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor