neuropathy
Noun: A disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness, weakness, or pain. Neuropathy is a general term for nerve damage, often affecting the hands and feet.
The word "neuropathy" is a medical term. It is typically used as a non-count noun to describe the general condition, but can be a count noun when referring to specific types. * It is often modified by an adjective specifying the cause, location, or type of nerve damage (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy). * It commonly appears in contexts discussing symptoms, diagnosis, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes.
- As a non-count noun:
- As a count noun (with a modifier):
- Describing symptoms:
- "Small-fiber neuropathy": A type of neuropathy affecting the small, unmyelinated nerve fibers that carry pain and temperature sensations.
- "Idiopathic neuropathy": Neuropathy for which no specific cause can be identified.
- Neuropathic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from neuropathy.
- She experienced neuropathic pain in her legs.
- Polyneuropathy (noun): A specific type of neuropathy where multiple peripheral nerves are affected simultaneously, often in a symmetrical pattern.
- Nerve damage: A more general, non-technical term.
- Peripheral neuritis: An older or less common term for inflammation of peripheral nerves, sometimes used interchangeably with neuropathy.
The core meaning of "neuropathy" is pathology of the peripheral nerves. It is distinct from: * Central nervous system disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis), which affect the brain and spinal cord. * Myopathy, which is disease of the muscle tissue itself. * Radiculopathy, which is pathology specifically at the root of a spinal nerve.
- any pathology of the peripheral nerves