Neuropathy exists in two forms, autonomic and peripheral. Autonomic neuropathy involves damage to nerves that control involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure perspiration and digestion, states MayoClinic.com. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in motor and sensory nerves that leads to pain, numbness and weakness. Many different conditions, infections, poisonous substances and forms of trauma can cause neuropathy. A patient should be aware of the side effects of neuropathy and know when to seek treatment.
Dizziness and Fainting
MayoClinic.com states that dizziness and fainting are side effects associated with neuropathy. Specifically, damage to autonomic nerves that control blood vessels are affected. Because these nerves are damaged, blood vessels cannot contract and expand to control blood pressure. A patient with an autonomic neuropathy that controls blood vessels may experience dizziness and fainting when standing from a sitting or laying position. This occurs because blood vessels in the lower body do not effectively constrict, or shrink in response to the increase in blood pressure in the lower extremity. This causes blood to pool in the legs, which reduces blood pressure in the brain. Because blood pressure in the brain is reduced, a patient may begin to feel dizzy or faint.
Loss of Sensation
MedlinePlus states that a peripheral neuropathy may cause a loss of sensation. This occurs because damage to sensory nerves result in numbness and an inability to determine joint position, which can cause incoordination. A patient may notice sensory loss that begins in the hands or toes that progressively affects the arms or legs. Sensory loss is a serious medical condition because patients, particularly diabetic patients, may not be able to feet a sore or ulcer developing in the feet. The open sore or ulcer can get infected, which may lead to serious complications. Thus, a patient with a sensory loss should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with the physician so the cause of sensory loss can be determined.
Movement Difficulties
Neuropathy may affect nerves that control muscles, states MedlinePlus. Specifically, advanced peripheral neuropathy may affect motor nerves in the hands, arms, feet or legs that results in difficulty moving. In addition, a patient may experience cramps, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, joint instability, lack of coordination and loss of muscle tissue. Peripheral neuropathy should be diagnosed and treated early to avoid further decrease in motor function.
