Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which type of nerve is affected. The three main types of nerves are sensory, motor, and autonomic. Neuropathy can affect any one or a combination of all three types of nerves. Symptoms also depend on whether the condition affects the whole body or just one nerve (as from an injury).

 

SENSATION CHANGES

Damage to sensory fibers results in:

• changes in sensation

• burning sensations

• nerve pain

• tingling or numbness,

• an inability to determine joint position, which causes incoordination.

For many neuropathies, sensation changes often begin in the feet and progress toward the center of the body with involvement of other areas as the condition worsens.

 

MOVEMENT DIFFICULTIES

Damage to the motor fibers interferes with muscle control and can cause weakness, loss of muscle bulk, and loss of dexterity. Sometimes, cramps are a sign of motor nerve involvement.

Other muscle-related symptoms include:

• Lack of muscle control

• Difficulty or inability to move a part of the body (paralysis)

• Muscle atrophy

• Muscle twitching (fasciculation) or cramping

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Falling (from legs buckling or tripping over toes)

• Lack of dexterity (such as being unable to button a shirt)

 

AUTONOMIC SYMPTOMS

The autonomic nerves control involuntary or semi-voluntary functions, such as control of internal organs and blood pressure. Damage to autonomic nerves can cause:

• Blurred vision

• Decreased ability to sweat

• Dizziness that occurs when standing up or fainting associated with a fall in blood pressure

• Heat intolerance with exertion (decreased ability to regulate body temperature)

• Nausea or vomiting after meals

• Abdominal bloating (swelling)

• Feeling full after eating a small amount (early satiety)

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Unintentional weight loss (more than 5% of body weight)

• Urinary incontinence

• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

• Difficulty beginning to urinate (urinary hesitancy)

• Male impotence

 

Exams and Tests

A detailed history is needed to determine the cause of the neuropathy. Neurologic examination may reveal abnormalities of movement, sensation, or organ function. Changes in reflexes and muscle bulk may also be present.

Tests that reveal neuropathy may include:

• EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)

• Nerve conduction tests

• Nerve biopsy

• Blood tests to screen for medical conditions, such as diabetes and vitamin deficiency, among others.

Tests for neuropathy are guided by the suspected cause of the disorder, as suggested by the history, symptoms, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various blood tests, x-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.

 

More about the CAUSES of neuropathy.

 

 

References:

Delalande S, de Seze J, Fauchais AL, et al. Neurologic manifestations in primary Sjogren syndrome: a study of 82 patients. Medicine (Baltimore). 2004 Sep;83(5):280-91.

Mori K, Iijima M, Sugiura M. Sjogren's syndrome associated painful sensory neuropathy without sensory ataxia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry . 2003 Sep;74(9):1320-2.

 

 

 

 

 

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