Neuropathy Symptoms Neuropathy is a disease of the nerves. It may be focal, striking a specific body part, or generalized, affecting entire regions or systems of the body. People with neuropathy may experience pain, particularly burning of the feet, numbness, altered sensations, weakening of the limbs, loss of balance or impaired function of the vital organs. Treatment of neuropathy depends on underlying causes, and which part of the body is affected. Fortunately, knowledge of this disease is growing, but a greater awareness is needed so that those who suffer from neuropathy can get treatment and support.

Pain Numbness Muscle Weakness Autonomic Symptoms

Autonomic Symptoms

In cases of autonomic neuropathy, including diabetic autonomic neuropathy, nerve damage to and around the body's internal organs can result in a variety of symptoms. When neuropathy affects the urinary tract, the person may not know when the bladder is full, causing incontinence issues, or they may have difficulty emptying the bladder completely, resulting in buildup of bacteria that lead to urinary tract infections. When there is nerve damage to the sex organs, sexual response may decline in both men and women as sensory nerves are damaged. Though sex drive usually remains the same, men have trouble with impotence and women experience vaginal dryness. In cases of neuropathy in the intestinal tract, symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and undesired wait loss. Neuropathy in the circulatory system is particularly dangerous, as it hinders nerve impulses signaling the need for blood in various parts of the body. A person with this sort of neuropathy may have problems with heart rate and blood pressure, or they may feel dizzy and light-headed if they sit or stand up too suddenly.