More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified. Each has its own symptoms and prognosis, which are dependent on the type of nerves affected – autonomic, motor or sensory.

Peripheral neuropathies are generally classified as being acute or chronic. Acute neuropathies involve symptoms that appear suddenly, that progress rapidly and that subside slowly as the nerves begin to heal. In contrast, chronic neuropathies feature symptoms that emerge subtly and unfold gradually over time. People with chronic neuropathies may see their symptoms progress, or may experience discomfort that eventually plateaus. In other cases, symptoms may go into remission, only to re-emerge in the future.

Types of peripheral neuropathies include:

• Diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy that occurs as a result of damaged caused by high levels of blood sugar. Diabetes experts have identified four types of diabetic neuropathy – autonomic, focal, peripheral and proximal. However, it is important to note that many experts consider all of these neuropathies as belonging to the category of peripheral neuropathy.
  
  
• Autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is a collection of symptoms that occurs as a result of damage to the nerves of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS regulates involuntary functions of the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and perspiration. Patients with autonomic neuropathy experience discomfort (e.g., bladder and bowel dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems) but the condition is rarely life-threatening.
  
  
• Proximal neuropathy. Nerve damage that can affect the legs, thighs, hips and buttocks – usually on just one side of the body. It causes weakness and pain that usually requires treatment. People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of this type of neuropathy.
  
  
• Neuropathy secondary to drugs. Damage to the nerves resulting from the toxic effect of using certain medications. Examples include heart and blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, cholesterol drugs and others.
  
  
• Alcoholic neuropathy. Decreased nerve function as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Experts disagree about the cause of this form of neuropathy, but it may be a result of the toxic effect of alcohol on nerve tissue.
  
  
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Two-thirds of all patients with GBS reported having a recent bacterial or viral infection.
  
  
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Group of hereditary disorders resulting in flaws in the genes that manufacture neurons or the myelin sheath. Symptoms include extreme weakening and wasting of muscles in the lower legs and feet, gait problems, loss of tendon reflexes, and lower-limb numbness.
  
  
• Friedreich’s ataxia. Inherited disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system. The first symptom may be difficulty walking. Symptoms then spread to the arms and trunk and range from muscle weakness and speech problems to heart disease.
  
  
• Trigeminal neuralgia. Also known as tic douloureux, it involves damage to the large nerve of the head and face. Symptoms include severe pain on one side of the face that has been described as “lightning-like.”