1. What You Don't Know About Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Damage
Despite the fact that it's common (about 20 million in the U.S. have it), many people have never heard of peripheral neuropathy nerve damage. The illness damages sensory, motor and autonomic (involuntary) nerves. The spinal cord, organs and skin connect to the peripheral nerves, so the nerves play a vital role. A doctor may find that the illness is secondary to another problem, such as diabetes.
2. Mixed Symptoms Make Diagnosis Difficult
The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the nerves affected and their location. It's possible to have damage in more than one of the three peripheral nerves: motor, sensory or autonomic. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can occur gradually or suddenly. Some common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling or abnormal sensations in your feet, which can spread to include your legs and hands. You may notice difficulty walking, balance or with coordination.
3. Symptoms of Damage to Motor Nerves
If the damage is in the motor nerves, you may experience muscle cramps or a feeling of heaviness in your legs. Even walking, running and/or climbing stairs may be hard. Damage to the motor nerves can cause you to feel tired and stumble, as well as cause muscle cramps. The illness affects your hands through everyday tasks such as opening jars, carrying groceries, personal grooming or opening doors. Dropping things is a common complaint.
4. Peripheral Neuropathy of the Sensory Nerves
When peripheral neuropathy damage occurs to the sensory nerves, the symptoms change over time. At first, a person might feel electric shocks, stabbing or pinching sensations, as well as numbness and tingling. Often, the symptoms become worse at night, and the pain may be severe. Abnormal sensations upon touching an object can occur or you might feel nothing (numbness). Changes can occur in a person's gait with neuropathy of the sensory nerves because they slowly lose coordination. In an effort to retain balance, people will drag their feet or widen their walking stance.
5. Autonomic Nerve Damage Symptoms Go Beyond Pain
Since the autonomic nerves are responsible for involuntary actions, such as breathing, symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed. If these nerves are involved in peripheral neuropathy, symptoms include a drop in your blood pressure, making you dizzy. Sexual dysfunction, intestinal problems, thinning of the skin and other symptoms are possible, too.
