Peripheral neuropathy causes dysfunction in varying nerve systems and is characterized by different degrees of symptoms depending on the specific syndrome presenting. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy exist and that the long-term effects of this condition depend on the specific nerves that are damaged. The three nerve groups impacted include the sensory, motor and autonomic. Individuals with autoimmune vulnerability are susceptible to developing peripheral neuropathies due to having compromised immune functioning.
Sensory Nerve Damage
The NINDS indicates that sensory nerve damage causes complex long-term effects because of the specialized functions of the sensory nerves. Sensory fibers are located in the fatty proteins that coat and insulate the nerves. Damage to the large sensory fibers results in limited sensation of touch or virtual numbness in the hands and feet. Loss of sensation to these nerves leads to complications of feeling pain and lacking awareness of possible injury to the extremities, which can increase the risk for infections. MedlinePlus notes that people with diabetes commonly experience neuropathies of sensation due to autoimmune factors causing inflammation of the nerves.
Movement and Muscle Control Disturbance
MayoClinic.com explains that the motor nerves control how muscles move as well as coordination and movement. Peripheral neuropathy damage to motor nerves causes long-term partial or total loss of motor control. Movement difficulties in the form of dexterity loss, difficulty breathing or falls result from this condition. Autoimmune viruses such as HIV, herpes simplex or bacterial diseases such as Lyme disease lead to motor nerve damage. The NINDS notes that long-term damage to the immune system from viruses destroys the protective coating around the nerves, which produces the movement and muscle control symptoms as well as sensory nerve damage.
Weight and Nutritional Deficiencies
Damage to the autonomic nerves, which regulate digestion, bladder function and blood pressure, causes long-term nutritional deficiencies, decreased appetite and weight loss, notes MayoClinic.com. According to The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals, the axons, which are long nerve fibers that conduct electrical impulses away from cells to other organs, are prone to vulnerability from autoimmune disorders that impact nutrition, such as diabetes or certain cancers. Fluctuation in appetite or vomiting after meals occurs with axon damage linked to neuropathy. Dietary deficiencies are correctable; however, the long-term effects of damage remains and symptoms decrease but do not abate.
Sexual Dysfunction
MedlinePlus indicates that sexual disruptions are an effect of long-term autonomic nerve damage. Impotence in males and females is impacted if the nerves connecting to the sexual organs are damaged. The signal from the nerves does not send the message for blood to flow into the sexual organs. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains that men may achieve erection but ejaculation does not result. Females become unable to achieve arousal and lubrication in the vaginal area.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet
- Mayo Clinic: Peripheral Neuropathy
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Peripheral Neuropathy
- MedlinePlus: Peripheral Neuropathy
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
