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Peripheral neuropathy - Symptom

Alternative Names

Peripheral neuritis; Neuropathy - peripheral; Neuritis - peripheral

Symptoms:

The symptoms depend on which type of nerve is affected. The three main types of nerves are:

  • Those that carry sensations (sensory)
  • Those that control muscles (motor)
  • Those that carry information to organs and glands (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).

Longer nerves are more easily injured than shorter ones, so it is common for you to have worst symptoms in the legs and feet than in the hands and arms.

SENSATION CHANGES

Damage to sensory fibers results in changes in sensation, burning sensations, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, or 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. Diabetes is a common cause for sensory neuropathy.

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:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Difficulty or inability to move a part of the body (paralysis)
  • Falling (from legs buckling or tripping over toes)
  • Lack of dexterity (such as being unable to button a shirt)
  • Lack of muscle control
  • Loss of muscle tissue (muscle atrophy)
  • Muscle twitching or cramping

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:

Signs and tests:

A detailed history will be needed to determine the cause of the neuropathy. A neurological exam may reveal problems with movement, sensation, or organ function. Changes in reflexes and muscle bulk may also be present.

Blood tests may be done to screen for medical conditions such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies.

Tests that reveal neuropathy may include:

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/11/2008
  • Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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