Basic definition of neuropathy - Neuropathy Message Board

prostator · 07-03-2003, 07:49 PM

What is the basic definition of neuropathy? Is it pain caused by damage to nerves themselves? How does one distinguish it from regular pain? I'm just asking because I have had an ongoing throat problem, which is very strange because it does not exactly hurt - it is not sore, it just feels tight and strained and, well, nervous. The kind of feeling you get in your throat when you are anxious, only all the time. So I wonder if it's possible that the nerves in my throat are somehow involved. Thanks.

NancyH · 07-03-2003, 10:18 PM

Neuropathy, there are all kinds: Polyneuropathy which affects the nerves nearest the spinal column and Perepheral Neuropathy meaning away from the body, like hands feet etc. As for the throat it could be a pinched nerve in the neck(do you have cervical problems?)also have you had your thyroid checked? I don't think it could be neuropathy but I'm not a Doctor!

Cajun Granny · 07-04-2003, 12:09 AM

I don't know if you can get neuropathy in the throat but my throat is going numb. It is way to the back and is located on the pallet. Sometimes it is worst than other times. When it is bad, I have some trouble swallowing. Breathing is not a problem.

There is no burning or pain so I've ignored it. I hope this is temporary and will go away when I get control of my diabetes. A recent scare (I was so sick!

) has convienced me to stay on the diabetic diet and get rid of all of the things that being overweight has caused.

I don't know if being overweight causes neuropathy but I do know that if you follow the diet it can even get rid of the diabetes and getting rid of the diabetes would get rid of the neuropathy (if it is caused by diabetes).

Phil H2 · 07-04-2003, 09:22 AM

Neuropathy is a generic term which means disease of the nerve or nerves. It does not include problems with central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). There are many types of neuropathy including diabetic neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome which is caused by a pinched nerve. An idiopathic neuropathy is one that doctors do not know what the cause is after running all the examinations and tests.

prostator · 07-04-2003, 10:53 AM

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I was thinking my thyroid might have something wrong with it, Nancy H, but I think it will be a while before I am able to find out for sure. I just saw the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor yesterday, he saw nothing wrong except a little redness so now it's on to the gastroenterologist. I suppose if he finds nothing I'll try an endocrinologist. Like you, cajungranny, I have no pain, and I breath fine. My greatest fear is what you described, Phil - idiopathic neuropathy. My parents, primary doctor, and ENT had all suggested that stress may be a cause of my problem. But that leaves me with a conundrum. If the problem doesn't go away, am I simply concentrating on it too much, thinking about it too much, not eliminating enough stress? Or, is it "idiopathic," with a physical cause that the doctors and tests can't pin down? Very frustrating. Best of luck to all.