Neuropathy is a condition related to damage of the peripheral nervous system. It can be caused by a number of factors including physical injury, systemic illnesses such as cancer, viral and bacterial infections and it can also be inherited. The signs and symptoms of neuropathies can vary significantly depending on the area of the body affected and the type of nerve that has been damaged. Neuropathy can affect sensory, motor and autonomic nerves producing a range of debilitating and painful symptoms.
Symptoms of Autonomic Nerve Damage
Autonomic nerves control involuntary or automatic processes within the body. Symptoms of autonomic nerve damage depend on the organ or area of the body that has been affected. Symptoms can be serious and life threatening particular when the respiratory and cardio-vascular systems are affected. Some of the most common symptoms include:
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Swallowing difficulties/Dysphagia
• Nausea and sickness
• Diarrhoea/constipation if the digestive system is affected
• Low blood pressure
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sweating to excess
Symptoms of Sensory and Motor Nerve Damage
Sensory and motor nerves are responsible for feelings of touch, heat, pain and movement. When they become damaged by neuropathies a range of symptoms can result depending on the type of nerve affected and its location in the body. Large sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system convey messages about vibration, touch and position. Smaller nerves are responsible for transmitting pain and temperature information to the brain. Symptoms can include but are not limited to:
• Constant sensation of pins and needles in the affected area
• Numbness resulting in a loss of sensation and the ability to feel temperature and pain
• Burning pain typically in the hands and feet which makes walking difficult
• Loss of bone density and muscle tissue
• Lack of coordination
• General muscle weakness and fatigue
• Dysesthesia which can cause nerves and skin to become over-sensitised and painful to the touch
Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy is limited to a single nerve or nerve bunch in various parts of the body. When damage occurs to the nerve it can result in symptoms such as:
• Eye pain and double vision
• Chest pain
• Foot pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is by far the most common form of mononeuropathy. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist and results in pain and numbness in the hands and fingers. It is a very common condition and affects around 5% of the population and is prevalent among sufferers of both type I and type II diabetes.
As with all medical conditions early diagnosis and treatment is essential. If you are experiencing a tingling or burning sensation in the hands or feet, cuts that are not healing, dizziness or have a condition that is linked to neuropathy such as diabetes a visit to your GP is vital.
