The term neuropathy describes damage to the nerves that carry information from the brain to the muscles and organs of the body. Damage to nerves that carry signals to and from organs is called autonomic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that carry movement signals from the brain to the muscles and sensory signals from the skin to the brain. Thus, damage to these nerves can complicate functions of organs and of muscles. A patient with neuropathy should understand possible complications.
Muscle Weakness
Medline Plus, from the National Institutes of Health, states that a patient with a peripheral neuropathy will experience sensory loss and deficits that progress to muscle weakness over time. This occurs because the nerves that carry signals to the muscles and joints telling them to move are damaged. A patient will first lose strength in the toes and fingers that progresses to loss of strength in the arms and legs. He may have difficulty walking over time, because nerves that control coordination are also damaged. Carrying objects will also become difficult over time. The recommended treatment for muscle weakness from peripheral neuropathy is physical therapy. A patient must attend all sessions and participate in a home exercise program for physical therapy to be effective.
Urinary Problems
MayoClinic.com states that a patient with an autonomic neuropathy will likely experience urinary problems. Specifically, a patient will have difficulty starting urination that results in a back up of urine in the bladder. Not only is a full bladder uncomfortable, but urine can back up into the ureters and kidney and cause a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection. Patients with urinary problems from an autonomic neuropathy may need to take medications to help urine flow. In more severe cases, a patient may need to use a catheter to ensure a healthy flow of urine.
Exercise Intolerance
A patient with an autonomic neuropathy will have difficulty exercising, reports MayoClinic.com. Because the nerves that control heart rate and blood pressure are damaged, a patient will experience lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain when exercising. These complications occur because heart rate and blood pressure cannot appropriately respond to the increase in demand from activity. In this case, medications may help improve heart rate and blood pressure. A patient should immediately let her doctor know if she experiences symptoms of poor blood flow.
