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Peripheral neuropathy is a detect term for nerve diseases that affect a specific part of your nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various conditions, which means a wide range of peripheral neuropathy symptoms is possible. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect different body parts depending on how and why it occurs.
Peripheral neuropathy manifests itself in a variety of ways. This condition can affect a single nerve, a network of related nerves, or multiple nerves throughout your body. The symptoms are also affected by the type of nerve signals that are disrupted, and numerous signal types may be involved.
The symptom types are as follows:
Symptoms of the motor system
Motor signals are commands from your brain to your muscles via your peripheral nervous system. These signals are responsible for your ability to move. Your muscles require nerve connections to the brain to stay healthy and function properly.
The motor symptoms are:
Uncontrollable muscle movements: Nerves that have lost their connection to the brain due to peripheral neuropathy can become hyperactive, causing cramps.
Your peripheral nerves convert information from your surroundings into nerve signals. These signals are then transmitted to your brain, which processes them into what you can perceive as the world around you.
Peripheral neuropathy can interfere with what your senses pick up from the outside world and their ability to communicate with your brain.
Tingling occurs when there is an issue with the nerves that carry signals to your brain. This sounds like radio static when you’re too far from the broadcasting station.
Numbness occurs when nerves cannot send or relay sensory signals, resulting in the loss of specific types of sensations. An example is picking up a cold pop can but not feeling the smoothness or coldness of the can or not being able to handle the carpet’s texture or the floor’s temperature through your feet.
Inconsistency and clumsiness: Nerves also carry sensations that your brain uses to track where your hands and feet are located. These sensations are not consciously felt but are necessary for balance and coordination. Without these sensations, you may lose your balance, especially in the dark, and become clumsy with your hands.
Pain: Peripheral neuropathy can cause nerve damage that causes malfunctions in how and when nerves send pain signals, making pain signals more intense (hyperalgesia) or occurring too frequently (allodynia). It can even cause nerves to produce pain signals on their own. This is referred to as “neuropathic” pain, the most noticeable and distressing symptom of peripheral neuropathy.
There are several autonomic processes in your body. These are your body’s automatic functions that occur without thinking or even being aware. Examples include sweating, digestion, blood pressure control, and other bodily functions.
Autonomic nerve fibers carry signals from the autonomic nervous system. When autonomic signals are disrupted, your body’s automatic processes cannot function properly. Some may work intermittently, while others may not work at all.
Blood pressure fluctuates: Your body automatically manages blood pressure, but damage to your peripheral nerves can disrupt this. This can result in sudden blood pressure drops or heart rate increases, particularly when standing up.
Sweating excessively or insufficiently: Sweating is a natural way for your body to regulate its internal temperature. Peripheral nerve damage can cause you to sweat excessively or insufficiently. This can result in foot dryness, scaling, and excessive sweating after eating.
Problems with the bowel and bladder: Autonomic signals control your bowel and bladder without conscious awareness. Disruption of nerve fibers can cause bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea) and, on rare occasions, bladder control.
Other signs and symptoms: Autonomic changes caused by peripheral neuropathy can also cause skin color changes, swelling, pupil changes, and blurry vision.
