Symptoms of Neuropathies

Neuropathy refers to a collection of conditions that are caused by nerve damage. There are four types of neuropathies, each dependent on which nerves are affected and where the affected nerves are in the body. Neuropathy may affect one type of nerve -- motor, sensory or autonomic -- or may involve a combination of nerves. Patients with neuropathy may appear asymptomatic with symptoms appearing and worsening gradually or may experience a sudden onset of symptoms. Neuropathic symptoms generally worsen at night.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

• Peripheral neuropathy, the most common form of neuropathy, affects the long nerves of the legs, feet, arms and hands. Symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness, reduced sensation to pain or temperature (especially in feet and toes), tingling and foot problems (ulcers, infections, deformities, bone/joint pain). Pain associated with peripheral neuropathy varies and may be described as a burning sensation, a sensation of wearing gloves or stockings, a 'jabbing' pain that may worsen at night, a pain while walking and/or an extreme sensitivity to touch.

Autonomic Neuropathy Symptoms

• Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves of the autonomic nervous system, which control the functions of the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, reproductive organs and eyes. Patients suffering from autonomic neuropathy may experience increased resting heart rate, bladder problems (incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections), constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, increased/decreased sweating, inability to regulate body temperature, loss of appetite, problems eating/swallowing, orthostatic hypotension, erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.

Radiculoplexus Neuropathy Symptoms

• Radiculoplexus neuropathy, common in older adults and patients with type 2 diabetes, affects the nerves close to the hips or shoulders. Also called diabetic amyotrophy, femoral neuropathy or proximal neuropathy, this condition affects the legs most often, but may affect the arms or abdomen. Symptoms may be present on only one side of the body and include weight loss, difficulty in rising from sitting, severe pain in hip/thigh/buttock, weakness/atrophy in thigh muscles and abdominal swelling.

Mononeuropathy Symptoms

• Mononeuropathy occurs when there is damage to only one nerve in the arm, leg or face and may also be called focal neuropathy. It is most common in older adults and can occur when a nerve is compressed, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. It often comes on suddenly, and although it doesn't cause long-term problems, it can be severely painful. Symptoms of mononeuropathy include pain in shin/foot/thigh/chest/abdomen, double or blurred vision, aching behind one eye, Bell's palsy and numbness or weakness in fingers or hand (carpal tunnel syndrome).