Rare Diseases That Can Cause Peripheral Neuropathy
Rare diseases are medical conditions that are diagnosed in fewer than 200,000 Americans. The exact reasons why some of these diseases are so rare are not readily understood. In some cases, it may be due to a lack of information on them or because they haven’t been identified yet. More research is needed to understand what truly makes a disease or condition rare.
Peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system. This system is responsible for sending messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When this system is damaged, it can lead to a number of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and pain. There are several different causes of peripheral neuropathy, and it can affect people of all ages. Neuropathy in rare diseases is often caused by nerve damage due to autoimmune disorders, which is caused by the body’s immune system attacking itself.
Some rare diseases that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: This is a genetic disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet and legs.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the peripheral nerves. It can lead to weakness, tingling, and paralysis.
- Mitochondrial diseases: These are a group of diseases that affect the mitochondria, which are the parts of cells that produce energy. They can cause problems with muscle function, movement, and nerve signals.
- Porphyria: These are a group of inherited diseases that affect the production of heme, which is an important component of hemoglobin. They can cause problems with nerve function, skin coloration, and digestion.
Further list:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP)
- Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (HATTR)
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Metabolic disorders
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Lupus
- Fabry disease
While there are many different types of diseases that can cause peripheral neuropathy, the good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with peripheral neuropathy can lead full, happy lives. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a rare disease that causes peripheral neuropathy, don’t despair—there is help and support available. Be sure to reach out to your doctor or a local support group for more information about how to manage your condition.
The neurologists at THE BRAIN CENTER are specially trained in the care and treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy. To learn more information about how our neurology team can help with your diagnosis and treatment, call us at our office at: (786) 565-8735
