Volume :

5

Issue :

3

Abstract :

Peripheral neuropathy is defined as damage to the peripheral nervous system resulting in a syndrome of sensory loss, muscle weakness and atrophy along with vasomotor symptoms, alone or in any combination. There are more than 100 known types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own characteristic symptoms, pattern of development, and prognosis. One study estimated that the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in the family medicine setting is 8 percent in persons 55 years and older. The prevalence in the general population may be as high as 2.4 percent. A community-based study estimated the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to be 26.4 percent. Peripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired. Causes of acquired peripheral neuropathy include physical injury (trauma) to a nerve, tumors, toxins (Lolin Y, 1989), autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism (Ammendola A et al, 2001), and vascular and metabolic disorders. Symptoms are related to the type of affected nerve and may be seen over a period of days, weeks, or years. Muscle weakness is the most common symptom of motor nerve damage. Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is often difficult because the symptoms are highly variable. A thorough neurological examination is usually required and involves taking an extensive patient, performing tests that may identify the cause of the neuropathic disorder, and conducting tests to determine the extent and type of nerve damage. The review focused on the drugs used to treat peripheral neuropathy. It included the Nutritive supplements, Topical Capsaicin Cream, Acupuncture, Magnets, Minerals & Drugs. The different animal models of the peripheral neuropathy also reviewed .