Neuropathy

Do you have neuropathy signs and symptoms in Syracuse? Neuropathy is also known as peripheral neuropathy because of its effect on the body’s sensory and motor nerves. It is very common for patients to experience the first symptoms in their extremities (hands, arms, legs and feet).  When this occurs it is referred to as Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.

Sensorimotor polyneuropathy can often begin with symptoms such as:

• Experiencing tingling sensations in the extremities. This sensation is also described as a pins and needling feeling or prickling feeling.
• Burning pain in the lower limbs. Eventually the burning will move into the arms and hands as the condition progresses.
• Having pains that are sharp and stabbing. Generally these pains are worse in the evening. Like the burning sensation, it will begin in the feet and legs and as the condition processes, the “electric-like” pain will move into the hands and arms.

It is also common for patients to develop muscle weakness and coordination problems. The muscles in the limbs may also become paralyzed. Patients also have increased likelihood of developing foot ulcers and infections in the skin. Peripheral neuropathy can occur when there is nerve damage and develop into dysesthesia, which effects a patients’ touch sensation. This often leads to a tingling and/or burning sensation. The skin on the extremities eventually will become so sensitive that the pressure from sheets or towels.

Autonomic neuropathy happens when automatic nerves, which control body functions such as breathing, perspiration and maintaining a heart rate, are affected. When this occurs a patient will experience:

• Low blood pressure leading to dizziness with rising from a seated or lying position
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Balance and coordination problems
• Digestive issues
• Diarrhea
• Inability to empty bladder completely
• Bowel and bladder incontinence

Patients’ also may experience issues in an individual nerve. When this occurs it is known as mononeuropathy. A person will also experience:

• Problems with the eyes
• Issues with focus
• Double vision
• Pain in the eye
• Pain in specific areas like:
• Shin
• Chest
• Foot
• Bell’s Palsy: a disorder that affects the nerves of the face causing a single side of the face to become weak or paralyzed
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome: a condition that causes prickling, burning, tingling, pain, numbness in the joints.

It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any abnormal pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms, legs, wrists, ankles, hands or feet. When a condition such as this is diagnosed early, you are able to control the condition and potential prevent more damage. It is also recommended to see a doctor if you are having difficulty with sleeps, trigger depression or if you have a small cut on an extremity that doesn’t appear to be healing normally.  Our team at Elevated Health in Syracuse is here to help.