Which statement about neuropathy is true?

• A. It primarily affects the brain
• B. It is caused by autoimmune attack on myelin only in the spinal cord
• C. It involves disease of peripheral nerves, often with numbness or weakness
• D. It always presents with high fever

Answer: (C)

Neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, so the most accurate description is that it involves disease of the peripheral nerves, often with numbness or weakness in the hands and feet. The brain is part of the central nervous system, which is not the usual site affected in neuropathy. Autoimmune processes can demyelinate nerves, but saying it occurs only in the spinal cord misses the fact that peripheral nerves can be involved as well, and central involvement isn’t exclusive to the spinal cord. Fever is not a defining feature of neuropathy; it’s not necessary for the condition to be present.