Autoimmune disorders occur due to a malfunction of the body's immune system. Instead of protecting the body from foreign invaders, the immune system attacks healthy cells of the body, causing disease. The National Institutes of Health report that there are over 80 different autoimmune diseases. Some of these affect the nerves of the body, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that results from the cells of the immune system attacking the nerve cells. This causes damage to the nerves, which leads to tingling in the hands or feet--known as peripheral neuropathy--that can spread to the arms and legs. If not treated, the neuropathy can result in paralysis. The exact cause of Guillian-Barre syndrome is not known, however the doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that 60 percent of cases are preceded by an infection.
Diabetes
Diabetes, which affects over 23 million people in the United States, is one of the most common causes of neuropathy. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of all those who have diabetes will develop some form of neuropathy according to the Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Diabetes is a condition characterized by too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Prolonged exposure to high glucose levels can cause nerve damage. Diabetes also causes inflammation of the nerves. Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy; autonomic neuropathy, which affects digestion, bladder and bowel functions and sexual response; proximal neuropathy, resulting in pain in the hips, thighs; focal neuropathy, which involves damage to a specific group of nerves such as those that surround the eye.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. When people who are sensitive to gluten eat foods that contain this protein, the immune system attacks the villi. These small projections that line the small intestine are responsible for the absorption of nutrients. When the villi become damaged, the body becomes malnourished no matter why types or how much food is consumed.
The University of Chicago reports that approximately 10 percent of those with Celiac disease suffer from some sort of neurological condition such as peripheral neuropathy. The neuropathic symptoms associated with celiac disease include a burning, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, and tingling or numbness in the face or body.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by the common deer tick. The bacteria are transmitted to humans through a bite by an infected tick. Lyme disease causes inflammation throughout the body, including in the skin, the joints and the nerves. This inflammation can damage the nerves resulting in peripheral neuropathy. Lyme disease can also cause inflammation of the membranes around the brain, known as the meninges, resulting in a condition known as meningitis.
