Genetic and inherited disorders that cause peripheral neuropathies are less common but can still damage your peripheral nerves or worsen neuropathy.
What Are Common Symptoms?
Your symptoms may vary depending on what type of nerve is affected and where the damage is located and may include:
Sensory Nerves
- Numbness or pins-and-needles sensations
- Sharp, electrical, burning pain
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Inability to feel pain, temperature, or pressure
Motor Nerves
- Muscle atrophy and weakness
- Reduced reflexes
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Uncontrollable twitching
- Lost coordination and balance
- Decreased fine motor skills (like those needed to button a shirt)
- Paralysis
Autonomic Nerves
- Excessive sweating
- Inability to regulate temperature
- Blood pressure problems
- Digestive problems
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?
The expert neurologist at OrthoNeuro diagnoses the condition with a combination of a physical exam and neurological testing.
Your physician will review your symptoms and medical history and complete a physical exam, including neuralgic tests to evaluate your reflexes, balance, ability to feel sensations, and muscle strength and tone.
Your doctor will also order blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and signs of other neurological disorders that affect your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).