I know I've seen this article before, and thought it was already in the Stickies, but it wasn't, apparently. Thanks to Dahlek for pointing it out.

LizaJane is accurate--axonal neuorpathy means that the primary damage to the nerve is to the nerve fiber itself, whereas demyelinating neuropathy means the primary damage to the nerve is to the insulating surrounding myelin sheath. Both kinds have multiple causes, and the Washington University at St. Louis Neuromuscular website that LizaJane references is a good way to get a comprehensive list:

http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromuscular/naltbrain.html

(This one I know I put in the Stickies.)

I say "primary" because it is entirely possible to have primary axonal damage and secondary problems with the myelin--when the axons degrade, myelin has less to adhere to, and deteriorates--and the reverse can also happen: primary myelin damage that gets severe enough to cause the now uncovered axonal fibers to also break down.

Experienced electrodiagnosticians can often tell by NCV/EMG testing results whether the damage is more one or the other, as each tends to leave somewhat characteristic fingerprints.

Small-fiber neuropathy is by definition axonal, as the fibers that subsume pain and temperature sensation, and many autonomic functions, are very thin and have very little or no myelin sheathing.

All motor fibers are myelinated, as are major sensory fibers underlying sensation of mechanical touch, vibaration, and kinesthetic feedback.

To get even more technical, one can have a neuronopathy or gangliopathy, in which the cell bodes in the dorsal root ganglia are actually attacked (which may cause axonal/myelin deterioration further down the nerve cell). This is quite common in Sjogren's and paraneoplastic syndromes. It's not technically either axonal or demyelinating, as it does not "first" involve some portion of the nerve fiber.

There's also the term "radiculopathy" referring to damage to the nerve roots on either side of the spinal cord--the first nerve "bundles" that connect to the cord. This is technically a peripheral neuropathy, as it is not central nervous system damage per se, but is often considered an adjunct to dysfunction of the spine.

Complicated, yes.

.. for 'making it so'... as they say.
My point is, to get for BILLYE the reinforcement of a possibility of IVIG as a TREATMENT...!!!!!There are odds in the treatment, but, I weighed MY odds at the possibility and found that it was: a]less chemical vs. meds s/e's; b]prednisones were a desparate option for me, due to a pre-peri/osteo condition, which due to other conditions makes osteo a prevalant concern; c] nature and progression on my onset and d]research indicating that while the 'odds' indicated it mite not work, the 40% overall chance that it mite, was worth the shot.
Knowing all this, my readings STRONGLY indicated that it might be a 'chronic' condition for which, IF SUCCESSFUL, would mean an 'ongoing' or perpetual treatment...Given the costs and availabilities of IVIG, there are serious decisions and ramifications in such decisions of commitment...COSTS, S/E's Insurances, Potential infections, well you name it.. YOU PUT A FOREIGN BLOOD PRODUCT in your body [for your own well-being of course]..Well, not to be aware of the alls, in alls, well, you really have to be a dunce! Education is what all this site is about! Pain relief or decrease of the slew of progressions is another! I have found my route-the IVIG. IF it is removed for whatever reason.. well, you will hear about it?
I am severely disappointed w/all of Billye's Docs that they've not tried it. At this point, COST be durned! IF it works well, HECK GOOD! Why NOT? Since I'm a victim of a doc that 'Didn't do anything' and had to change docs that DID, my Concerns relate to those who COULD have gotten the RIGHT treatments right at first and avoided all these complications! YES I CAN BE MAD ABOUT THE INCOMPETENCIES! Are they leagally liable, from all I've read [a LOT] no, but are they to BLAME? YEP.
OK I have vented...
LETS GET BACK TO WHAT IS GOOD FOR BILLYE? Please? - j

dahlek--that apc article also belongs in the stickies. There are REALLY REALLY good pieces you are finding!