Research Assessment #8

Maleeha Khan

Date: ​November 8, 2019

Subject: ​Peripheral Neuropathy

Sources:

“Peripheral Neuropathy - Symptoms and Causes.” ​Mayo Clinic​, 22 May 2019,

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20

352061.

Research:

As part of my desire to learn more about common disorders in neurology, I researched

peripheral neuropathy. Although this disease can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, the

disorder is defined by damage to the peripheral nerves. Patients with peripheral neuropathy often

experience weakness, tingling, numbness, and sharp pain in their hands and feet. While I was

reading this article, I was surprised by the expansive list of causes and symptoms of the disease.

Furthermore, I was intrigued by the connections between the preventative methods section and

my Independent Study and Mentorship in Pediatrics. Overall, this article was very beneficial in

providing me with insight into a frequently experienced disorder within neurology.

From autoimmune and bone marrow disorders to alcoholism, the list of causes of

peripheral neuropathy is seemingly endless. Upon initially reading this list, I was interested to

learn about causes such as poisons and tumors. As well as the most common cause, diabetes, an

area of study featured my Pediatric research last year. The many causes of peripheral neuropathy

motivate me to continue to explore this field and find maximize my experiences in Neurology. I
hope to help find a way to improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from this disorder

as I progress on my journey to become a physician. This motivation is amplified by the wide

variety of symptoms that patients with peripheral neuropathy experience. Similar to Multiple

Sclerosis, the specific symptoms a patient experiences depends on the level of damage caused to

a sensory, motor, or autonomic nerve. From the sensitivity to touch to paralysis, the symptoms

patients with peripheral neuropathy experience vary. While I read of these symptoms, my heart

ached for these patients and their families as these symptoms are life altering. For example,

patients experiencing dizziness and frequent falling are at risk of seriously injuring themselves

and as a result may become dependent on family members or others. This realization drives me

to learn more about the field and apply my knowledge to relieve the pain of my patients through

medicine and potentially innovation.

Furthermore, this article reviewed preventative measures for patients with peripheral

neuropathy. While physicians place a large emphasis on taking actions to manage the underlying

disease causing peripheral neuropathy, I was most excited to read that an active lifestyle with a

balanced diet is strongly recommended. Since this was the focus of my Independent Study and

Mentorship in Pediatrics last year, in which I advocated for this lifestyle to combat the rising

Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity crisis. I am pleased to realize that the more information I discover

about the medical field, the greater emphasis there is on maintaining a healthy diet and active

lifestyle. I plan to continue to spread awareness of this message outside of the ISM program with

the hopes it will make a positive impact in the communities around me.
 After reading this article, my knowledge of peripheral neuropathy has been significantly

enhanced. Considering this is a common complication in many neurological diseases, I am eager

to apply this knowledge in my upcoming mentor visits.