Hypothyroidism: Can it cause peripheral neuropathy?

Can hypothyroidism cause peripheral neuropathy?

- Kathleen / Louisiana

Answer

Rarely, hypothyroidism — a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone — may cause peripheral neuropathy, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to your peripheral nerves — the nerves that carry information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, such as your arms and legs. Peripheral neuropathy is often caused by diabetes and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. But it may also be caused by other conditions, such as severe, long-term hypothyroidism. The association between hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy isn't fully understood.

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include pain, numbness and tingling in the area affected by the nerve damage. It may also cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle control.

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy due to hypothyroidism is directed at the underlying hypothyroidism.

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