How to Tell If You Have Peripheral Neuropathy

Your peripheral nervous system consists of nerves used for movement, known as motor nerves and sensory nerves. These nerves are connected to your central nervous system. When you have damage to your nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, you will suffer from an inability to feel normal sensations or move muscles properly. It's important to note that peripheral neuropathy does not affect your brain or spinal cord, but can result in muscle weakness, imbalance and pain. Peripheral neuropathy can occur at any age, but is highest in men between the ages of 30-50, according to Health Central. Thus, you need to know the symptoms, causes and risks to tell if you have peripheral neuropathy.

Instructions

How to Tell if You have Peripheral Neuropathy

• 1

  Recognize the symptoms. Over a period of months, your may recognize symptoms associated with nerve damage. When peripheral neuropathy starts, it can affect your longest nerves first, according to the Mayo Clinic. So you may begin to notice tingling and numbness in your hands or feet. The numbness can spread from your hands and feet to your arms and legs. You might also have pain. This pain can be sharp and jabbing or burning. In addition, and you may experience sensitivity when touched. If your motor nerves are affected, you may notice paralysis or muscle weakness. However, if you have autonomic nerves problems, you may experience bladder or bowel problems.

• 2

  Know the causes. Various medical conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy. For example, diabetes can cause damage to nerves. In fact, approximately half of diabetics develop some form of neuropathy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Peripheral neuropathy can occur 15-20 years after the initial diagnosis for diabetes. Repetitive motion, like typing, can cause peripheral neuropathy. Nerve pressure from using crutches or a cast for a long time are also factors. In addition, traumas from sports injuries, vehicular accidents or falls can damage or sever peripheral nerves.

  Infections, whether bacterial or viral, can cause damage to your nerves. These infections include HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, shingles and hepatitis C. Autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases, such as kidney disease, hypothyroidism or liver disease can cause peripheral neuropathy. Also, if you have a vitamin E, B-1, B-6 or B12 deficiency, it can cause nerve damage. With severe vitamin B12 deficiency, you may notice other symptoms like weakness, fatigue, breathless and paleness before the onset of peripheral neuropathy.

• 3

  Understand the risk factors. Alcoholism can increase your risk of peripheral neuropathy. Also, tumors --both benign and malignant -can put you at risk for peripheral neuropathy when they grow directly on the nerves. Exposure to toxic substances found in medications, for instance chemotherapy, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead or mercury can increase your risk of peripheral neuropathy. Also, occupations like construction work can put you at a greater risk for nerve damage because of the excessive vibration from power tools.