What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Neuropathy?

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 21 Dec 2011 - 0:00 PST


The majority of cases of neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, affects the motor and sensory nerves. Patients generally experience initial symptoms on their feet, hands, arms and legs. This is called Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.

Signs and symptoms of sensorimotor polyneuropathy may include:

• Pins and needles in affected parts of the body. Some may describe this as a tingling and prickling sensation
• A sensation of burning - this starts off on the feet and legs, and then, as the condition progresses, to the hands and arms
• Sharper, stabbing pains which are more intense at night. They usually start off in the feet and legs, and gradually progress to the hands and arms. Patients may describe them as electric-like pain.
• Muscle weakness
• Coordination problems
• Muscles can become paralyzed
• Increased susceptibility to foot ulcers and skin infections, plus other problems that affect the feet

Peripheral neuropathy can eventually develop to dysesthesia - the patients' sense of touch is affected, and the following symptoms may present:

• Tingling sensation in the skin
• Burning sensation in the skin
• The skin becomes extrememly sensitive; the patient may experience intense pain when the skin touches, for example, sheets or towels

Signs and symptoms of automatic neuropathy - automatic neuropathy occurs when the automatic nerves are affected. Patients may experience the following:

• Bowel incontinence
• Bladder incontinence
• Coordination problems
• Diarrhea
• Dysphagia - swallowing difficulties
• Hypotension - low blood pressure. The patient may feel dizzy when getting up from sitting or lying down
• Impotence - erectile dysfunction
• Nausea
• Problems emptying the bladder completely
• Problems with balance
• Tachycardia - accelerated heartbeat
• Vomiting

Signs and symptoms of mononeuropathy - this is when just one nerve or one group of nerves are affected. Patients may experience:

• Problems with vision, such as focusing. There may also be double vision
• Pain in the eye
• Bell's palsy - one side of the face is paralyzed or responds weakly
• Pain in the chest
• Pain in the shin
• Foot pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome - pain and numbness from the wrist to the lower palm. Experts say that approximately 5% of adult females and 3% of adult males are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. Rates are higher in diabetes patients.

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor if you experience abnormal numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in your hands or feet. The earlier you are diagnosed, the better are your chances of preventing further damage and controlling the symptoms. Doctors may also help with symptoms that affect sleep, or trigger depression.

If you cut or graze your foot and it does not appear to be healing properly, see your doctor.



Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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