Peripheral neuropathy symptoms

The term neuropathy groups all peripheral nervous system disorders, consisting of nerves and the lymph.

In general, the peripheral neuropathy symptoms depend on the type of nerve affected. The three main types of nerves that are involved in are: motor nerves (controls motor activity), sensory nerves (pain gate-sensitive information, tactile sensations,) and autonomic.

Thus, signs and symptoms are classified as motor, sensory and autonomic, but are often mixed. Also, peripheral neuropathy symptoms depend on the nature and causative agent that can be systemic or local. Nerves with long tracks are more frequently affected than those with short tracks, so symptoms may be more important and more aggressive in the distal extremities (feet, hands) than in the thighs or arms.

Symptoms of sensitive nature are characterized by changing perceptions causing:

- Paresthesias, anesthesia;

- Inability to discriminate between tactile stimuli;

- Inability to determine joint position in space (symptoms involve loss of sense in coordinating movements);

- Hyperaesthesia

These symptoms begin in the feet and progress to the center, increasingly affecting more areas. Sensory peripheral neuropathy most often occurs in patients with diabetes.

Motor peripheral neuropathy symptoms consist of muscle weakness, muscle hypotrophy and loss of dexterity. They occur as a result of infringement of function and even structure of motor nerve fibers. The intensity of these symptoms varies, sometimes patient can only feel cramps.

Other peripheral neuropathy symptoms:

- Dysphagia, swallowing disorders;

- Paralysis;

- Repeated motor failures (due to leg muscle hipotrophy);

- Inability to perform some movements (even close buttons);

- Loss of muscle control;

- Musuclare cramps, fasciculations;

- Muscle Fatigue;

- Myalgia;

- Tremor.

Symptoms mainly affect vegetative and voluntary control, such as blood pressure.

Vegetative peripheral neuropathy symptoms include:

- Abdominal bloating;

- Constipation;

- Diarrhea;

- Early satiety;

- Nausea and / or vomiting immediately after eating;

- Weight loss (more than 5%);

- Dizziness;

- Sweating decrease;

- Heat intolerance;

- Impotence;

- Urinary incontinence.

Laboratory investigations

Patient with complaints suggestive of a neurological condition should be fully investigated, starting with a medical history. This should be done rigorously and must be complete, in order to appreciate the intensity of symptoms and their nature.

The patient is asked to describe symptoms, onset and intensity and their evolution over time. The initial place of occurrence and then the extension (if applicable) should be noted. Because neuropathy may occur due to chronic systemic disease or have hereditary component, the patients' medical history and of their relatives must also be established.

Doctors can assess the degree of neurological damage by performing several tests:

- Checking the reflexes;

- Verification of strength and muscle tone;

- Checking motor coordination, posture;

- The ability to discriminate tactile sensations.

The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is the control and treatment of medical problems, especially those who are risk factors for this disease: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, syndrome of malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, and autoimmune diseases.

Patients with genetic predisposition to neuropathy should be careful about drinking alcohol because it can act as a trigge.

Whether the diagnosis and risk of neuropathy exists, experts recommend eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially the B complex, adopting of a balanced lifestyle and avoiding risk factors such as excessive alcohol or smoking.

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is done generally when patients can no longer perform daily activities because of pain or disturbance caused by neuropathy. Many patients ignore peripheral neuropathy symptoms considering them just a numbness or pain. Peripheral nerve has the power to recover an average of 2 mm per day. Depending on the underlying disease, the severity of injury, the time we got to the doctor, the chances of recovery in case of peripheral neuropathy are from zero to 100%.