Between 10 million and 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy (PN), likely the most common disease you never heard of. The disorder of the peripheral nervous system manifests in many different symptoms, including pain, numbness and weakness, and makes life difficult for many.

The peripheral nervous system transmits information from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) throughout the body and back again. If you feel pain when you stub a toe or burn a finger, your peripheral nervous system is at work. When those nerves are damaged, such signals are disrupted, resulting in neuropathy that can result in a wide array of symptoms. In fact, there are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own characteristic set of symptoms, pattern of development and prognosis.

The impact of peripheral neuropathy on those afflicted can be mild or severe, ranging from temporary numbness, tingling and pricking sensations (paresthesia), to more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis and organ or gland dysfunction. In the most extreme cases, breathing may become difficult or organ failure may occur.

There are many causes for PN. Diabetes is the most common, but traumatic injuries, autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, exposure to poisons, alcohol abuse and vitamin deficiencies are often culprits.

Most neuropathies cannot be cured but can be helped with appropriate treatment. Control of blood-glucose levels and weight loss can significantly slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy. There are also medications that can improve the pain and sensory symptoms associated with neuropathies.

Coping with peripheral neuropathy can be challenging. A new book at Stanford Health Library, written by someone who lives with PN, is full of practical advice. “You Can Cope with Peripheral Neuropathy: 365 Tips for Living a Full Life” (Demos Health, 2009) can help sufferers improve the quality of their lives. Co-authors Mims Cushing and Norman Latov, M.D., have produced a compendium of tips on topics such as caring for hands and feet, making one’s home more accommodating, appreciating the value of support groups and working with physicians.

The book offers the valuable perspectives of the authors, one a patient-expert and the other a physician who specializes in the treatment of PN. Full of patients’ personal stories, “You Can Cope with Peripheral Neuropathy” will help sufferers realize they are not alone and allow their loved ones to better understand the PN experience.

The book is endorsed by the Neuropathy Association and includes a list of designated neuropathy treatment centers nationwide.

Co-author Latov is responsible for another useful book on peripheral neuropathy, also found on Stanford Health Library’s shelves. “Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness and Pain Won’t Stop” (Demos/American Academy of Neurology, 2007). Whereas “You Can Cope” offers tips for living better with PN, “Peripheral Neuropathy” focuses on an easy-to-understand, in-depth discussion about the disorder itself.

“Peripheral Neuropathy” is part of an American Academy of Neurology series, “Quality of Life Guides,” written by doctors and designed to allow readers to understand the disease and better prepare to manage associated life changes. Chapters in “Peripheral Neuropathy” follow a logical progression, starting with an excellent discussion of the disease itself, how peripheral nerves function and symptoms of the disease. The chapter on evaluation and diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy may be especially useful to those who suspect they have the disorder.

In addition to these books, Stanford Health Library has many more resources, both print and electronic, that deal with peripheral neuropathy. The library is free and open to the public. Research assistance and customized information packets on medical conditions and treatment are available free of charge.

Stanford Health Library has three locations: at the Stanford Shopping Center near Bloomingdale’s, on the third floor of Stanford Hospital and on the main level of Stanford’s new Cancer Center.

Nancy Dickenson is head librarian at the Stanford Health Library. For more information, call 725-8400 or visit This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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