Neuropathy is the term used to describe nerve damage. There are different types of neuropathy that result in damage to different types of nerves. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary processes in the body, such as breathing, digestion and heart rate. Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that connect the brain to the arms, legs, and other parts of the body, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. These different types of neuropathy cause different long-term effects.
Life-Theatening Conditions
Autonomic neuropathy has the potential to cause serious, life-threatening conditions. For instance, damage to the nerves that control breathing can cause shortness of breath and other breathing problems, even respiratory failure, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Similarly life-threatening emergencies can develop if the nerves controlling the heart rate are damaged, causing the heart to beat irregularly. Damaged nerves can also cause improper regulation of blood pressure, leading to light-headedness, dizziness or fainting.
Bowel and Bladder Effects
Autonomic nerves also control the digestive and excretory processes of the body. Normal digestion requires coordinated control of numerous involuntary muscles in the abdomen. If the nerves controlling these muscles are damaged, digestion is often slowed down, causing constipation, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Alternatively, disruption of the digestive nerves can also cause diarrhea. Incontinence, or difficulty controlling the bladder and bowel, may also result from damage to the nerves controlling these organs, according to the University of Chicago Center for Peripheral Neuropathy.
Paralysis
The motor neurons controlling voluntary muscles throughout the body may also be damaged in patients with peripheral neuropathy. This damage can have several effects, including loss of sensation in the arms and feet and muscle weakness. Over time, if the nerves continue to become damaged, people can develop serious problems coordinating muscle movements, causing difficulty walking and performing other daily motions. Left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can result in the complete paralysis of the legs, arms or entire body, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sexual Dysfunction
Neuropathy can also result in damage to the nerves controlling the sexual organs. This damage can cause a loss of the normal sexual response, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Men may have difficulty achieving or maintaining erection, and women may experience problems with vaginal dryness. Both men and women may experience difficulty reaching orgasm.
