Periferal neuropathy
What is peripheral neuropathy?
The nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are called peripheral nerves. They carry signals from the brain to the body (motor nerves) and from the body to the brain (sensory nerves). Damage to one or more peripheral nerves can cause problems with movement and/or sensation. This is called peripheral neuropathy.
Am I at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy?
Anyone, including people who have never had cancer, can develop peripheral neuropathy. However, some cancer treatments can increase the risk.
The following treatments can increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy:
Chemotherapy with vincristine or vinblastine
Chemotherapy with cisplatin or carboplatin
You can check your treatment summary to see whether you received one or more of these treatments. If you do not have a summary, you can contact the LATER clinic or the hospital where you were treated. Peripheral neuropathy does not always result from treatment — other causes include diabetes, alcohol use, or injury.
What are the symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy?
Certain symptoms and signs may indicate peripheral neuropathy. Even if you do not have these symptoms right now, it is important to recognise them in case they appear in the future.
The following symptoms and signs may indicate peripheral neuropathy:
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Burning sensations or sharp pain in the hands or feet
Difficulty walking or problems with balance
Discoloured or cold hands or feet
Muscle weakness
If you recognise any of these symptoms or signs in yourself or your child, contact your GP or LATER doctor.
I am at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. What tests do I need and when?
If you are at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy, additional evaluation may be needed. Your LATER doctor will discuss with you whether further tests or follow-up are required.
What happens if I have peripheral neuropathy?
If you have peripheral neuropathy, your GP or LATER doctor will likely refer you to a:
Neurologist (doctor specialising in the brain and spinal cord)
Physiotherapist
The specialist will discuss your treatment options with you. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, the doctor may prescribe pain medication. Symptoms often improve over time, but sometimes they remain long term. In that case, a physiotherapist or psychologist can help you cope with the symptoms.
What else can I do?
Living with (an increased risk of) peripheral neuropathy can be difficult. Talking with friends and family may help. Contact with others in a similar situation can also be helpful, for example through a patient organisation such as VOX, part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association.
Take good care of yourself. Although a healthy lifestyle does not necessarily reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy, it remains important. Also take care of your mental wellbeing — small changes can already have a positive effect on your physical and mental health.
It is important that you know you have an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and that you recognise the symptoms and signs. If you have questions or if you are worried after reading this information, contact your GP or LATER doctor.
Where can I find more information?
The PanCare Plain Language Summaries provide links to reliable information in English. You can look up information about peripheral neuropathy online, but keep in mind that it may not always be accurate or up to date.
On this LATER website you can also find information about:
Healthy lifestyle
Mental health
Disclaimer
This information is based on the lay summary of the guideline listed below, created by the PanCare Plain Information Group, and adapted where necessary to the Dutch LATER guideline. Do not rely solely on this information if you have symptoms — always consult your GP, LATER doctor, or specialist.