Neuropathy: A Non-motor Symptom of Parkinson’s Disease

Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s

Neuropathy is a broad category of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), basically resulting from damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves. It typically may result in numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), pain, or weakness in the area served by the specific nerve or nerves. Some pain sensations may be sharp, burning, or throbbing. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 25% to 30% of Americans will be affected by some degree of neuropathy over their lives, especially as they age. Common risk factors are diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heavy alcohol use, as well as tasks requiring repetitive motions. Neuropathies frequently start in the hands or feet but may occur in other body sites as well.

Neuropathy occurs more frequently among people with PD compared to those without PD, and the reasons are not entirely clear. PD itself may be a factor in neuropathy, and levodopa may contribute to lower vitamin B12 levels, leading to neuropathy. However, not all neuropathies experienced by people with PD are necessarily part of the disease or its treatment, so it is important to have a good medical work-up to determine the cause of the symptoms, some of which may be treatable.

Nurse Practitioner Ellen Walter, MSN, CNP works in the Movement Disorders Section of the Center for Neurological Restoration at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. In this episode, she identifies the general kinds of neuropathies and then focuses on peripheral neuropathies and why it is important to try to identify their causes as a possible path to treatments.