Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves, the network that carries signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. Symptoms depend on which nerves are hurt, but commonly include numbness, tingling, burning or stabbing pain, muscle weakness, and loss of balance. It often starts in the feet and hands.

There are many causes. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S., and that about two thirds of people with diabetes have mild to severe nerve problems. Other causes include chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, infections, vitamin deficiencies, toxins, alcohol misuse, and injuries.

Neuropathy shows up in several kinds of lawsuits. Drug cases may allege that a medicine caused nerve damage the label did not warn about. Product cases can involve toxic exposure. A current example is recreational nitrous oxide: the FDA has warned that regular inhaling of nitrous oxide products can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, numbness, tingling, and lasting spinal cord or brain damage. People harmed after heavy use of flavored nitrous products have brought injury claims against sellers and makers.

Proving a neuropathy claim usually requires nerve testing, such as a nerve conduction study, and medical records that tie symptoms to the product and rule out other causes like diabetes. See our page on nitrous oxide injury lawsuits and the guide on mass torts.