Peripheral neuropathy

Alternative names:

neuritis - peripheral; neuropathy - peripheral; peripheral neuritis

Symptoms:

Sensation changes:

• numbness
• tingling
• abnormal sensations (paresthesia)
• burning sensations
• pain (neuralgia)
• decreased sensation
• lack of sensation

Movement difficulties:

• muscle weakness
• lack of muscle control
• difficulty or inability to move a part of the body (paralysis)
• muscle function/feeling loss
• muscle atrophy
• foot pain

Autonomic symptoms:

• decreased or no sweating (anhidrosis)
• blurred vision
• double vision
• dizziness that occurs when standing up
• fainting
• heat intolerance with exertion
• nausea after meals
• vomiting after meals
• vomiting of undigested food
• abdominal bloating (swelling)
• feeling full after eating a small amount (early satiety)
• diarrhea
• constipation
• unintentional weight loss (more than 5% of body weight)
• urinary incontinence
• feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• difficulty beginning to urinate (urinary hesitancy)
• male impotence

Signs and tests:

A detailed history may be needed to determine the possible cause of the neuropathy. Neurologic and muscular examination may reveal abnormalities of movement, sensation, or organ function (see also the specific nerve dysfunction).

Tests that reveal neuropathy may include:

• EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)
• nerve conduction tests
• nerve biopsy

Tests for neuropathy are guided by the suspected cause of the disorder, as suggested by the history, symptoms presented, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various blood tests, X-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.