According to The Neuropathy Association, nearly 20 million Americans suffer from some form of neuropathy, or nerve damage. Causes of this condition include diabetes, tumors, infections and nutritional imbalances. In most cases, it affects three types of nerves in the body: sensory, motor and autonomic, all of which have a specific set of symptoms. Though there is no cure for neuropathy in most cases, many symptoms are treatable. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step to receiving the needed treatment.
Signs of Sensory Neuropathy
A variety of symptoms can occur when sensory nerves have been damaged. Two types of sensations are common with this type of neuropathy: paresthesias and dysesthesias.
Paresthesias is the term used to describe sudden nerve sensations. These include numbness, tingling, feelings of electric shock and stabbing sensations. At times, these sensations can be extremely painful and severe, and usually become worse at night.
Dysesthesias is the term used to describe abnormal sensations that are felt when something is touched. These sensations include pain, numbness or burning. The stimuli causes these sensations to occur.
Sensory nerve damage may also cause an individual to lose her sense of balance or impair the way she walks. This is because she has lost her sense of feeling in her feet, causing her to be unsure of where or how her feet are placed.
In addition, there is also a condition known as "glove and stocking sensation." The damage to the sensory nerves may become so severe that the individual feels as though she is wearing something on her hands or feet, even though they are bare.
Signs of Motor Neuropathy
Limb weakness occurs when motor nerves have been damaged. If the nerves in the arms are damaged, the individual may find it difficult to perform a task as simple as turning a door knob. Carrying groceries inside the home can be difficult because of the weakness in the arms. He may also find that he drops items regularly.
If the nerves in the legs are damaged, the individual may find it difficult to climb stairs; he may stumble frequently due to tiring easily. Simple tasks such as walking can become a chore, and the legs may begin feeling unusually heavy.
Signs of Autonomic Neuropathy
When the autonomic nerves are damaged, the internal organs and their ability to function are affected. Symptoms of autonomic nerve damage include sexual dysfunction, being susceptible to bruising easily due to a thinning of the skin and a drop in blood pressure, which results in dizziness or becoming lightheaded upon standing. Intestinal problems may also be experienced, resulting in constipation or diarrhea, and urinary difficulties such as incontinence, difficulty urinating and an inability to empty the bladder completely.
