Toxic neuropathy refers to neuropathy caused by drug ingestion, drug or chemical abuse, or industrial chemical exposure from the workplace or the environment. Distal axonopathy, causing dying-back axonal degeneration, is the most common form.
Toxins, poisons and chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy. … Common toxins that cause neuropathy include: exposure to lead, mercury, arsenic and thalium. Some organic insecticides and solvents can result in neuropathies.
Symptoms
- Positive or negative sensory findings including numbness, tingling, neuropathic pain, and stocking glove pattern sensory loss.
- Medications causing toxic neuropathies can lead to other systemic manifestations such as fatigue, anemia, renal failure, gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, and cognitive changes.
Treatments
- Peripheral neuropathy caused by toxic substances or medications can often be corrected in much the same way. Early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy is important, because the peripheral nerves have a limited capacity to regenerate, and treatment may only stop the progression – not reverse damage.
