Neuropathy is a condition in which damaged nerves no longer communicate with the receptors in the brain appropriately. In most cases, peripheral neuropathy is not a deadly disease. However, as with most conditions, there are exceptions. Diabetic neuropathy—a type of neuropathy specific to those with diabetes—can, in fact, be fatal. And it is possible, although rare, in neuropathy unrelated to diabetes as well. This is largely decided by the severity of an individual’s neuropathy.
There are three types of nerves that may be affected: sensory, motor, and autonomic. The sensory nerves are responsible for the sending signals to the brain so that sensory information (touch, sight, etc) can be interpreted; motor nerves communicate with the brain to promote conscious movement; and autonomic nerves help control the unconscious activities constantly being maintained within the body. Each type of neuropathy may be fatal in a different way.
When the sensory nerves are disrupted, it can make an individual more or less sensitive to feelings, particularly that of cold or heat. It may become difficult to notice things like placing a hand on a hot stove burner or realizing when you’ve incurred an injury. When these injuries go unnoticed and un-tended, they may not only get much worse, but can become severely infected. Damaged motor nerves may make movement difficult, leading to severe falls because of an inability to move normally or maintain balance. The disruption of the autonomic nerves, however, can cause difficulties with everything from swallowing to going to the bathroom to breathing. The heartbeat and blood pressure can change frequently, and other systems may be disrupted. If symptoms are not extremely severe, this may only cause mild discomfort or difficulty. In some situations, however, they can in fact have fatal results.
Have more questions? See more answers from Alot.
