What are the sensory symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.

What are the sensory symptoms of neuropathy?

The sensory symptoms of neuropathy are typically related to the damage or dysfunction of sensory nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensations like pain, temperature, touch, and vibration from the body to the brain. These symptoms can affect various parts of the body, most commonly the hands, feet, legs, or arms. Here are the key sensory symptoms of neuropathy:

1. Numbness:

A loss or reduction of sensation in the affected area is common, particularly in the hands or feet. This can lead to difficulty sensing touch, pressure, or texture, making it hard to detect injuries or temperature changes.

2. Tingling (Pins and Needles):

Often described as a “pins and needles” sensation, tingling is a frequent symptom of neuropathy. It may start in the toes or fingers and spread upwards along the limbs (commonly known as a “stocking-glove” pattern).

3. Burning Sensation:

A burning or searing pain is another common sensory symptom, especially in the feet. This burning pain can be constant or intermittent and may worsen at night.

4. Sharp or Stabbing Pain:

Neuropathic pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like. These sudden, intense pains can occur sporadically or be triggered by activities such as walking or touch.

5. Increased Sensitivity (Hyperalgesia):

In some cases, neuropathy leads to heightened sensitivity to pain. Even mild stimuli, such as light touch or pressure, can cause exaggerated or severe pain (a condition known as hyperalgesia).

6. Allodynia:

Allodynia is a condition where normally non-painful stimuli, such as a light touch, clothing brushing against the skin, or mild temperature changes, are perceived as painful. This can make daily activities uncomfortable or difficult.

7. Loss of Proprioception (Sense of Position):

Some individuals with neuropathy lose their sense of proprioception, meaning they have difficulty knowing where their body parts are in space without looking. This can lead to clumsiness, difficulty walking, and balance issues.

8. Reduced Sensation to Temperature:

Neuropathy can affect the ability to sense temperature changes, making it harder to distinguish between hot and cold. This can increase the risk of burns or frostbite due to impaired temperature perception.

9. Vibration Loss:

In some cases, neuropathy reduces the ability to sense vibrations, which may be tested with tuning forks in clinical settings. This is more commonly seen in large fiber neuropathy, but can occur in other forms as well.

10. Feeling of “Walking on Pebbles” or “Wearing Gloves”:

People with sensory neuropathy often describe feeling as if they are walking on pebbles or have socks or gloves on, even though they are not. This abnormal sensation reflects the loss of normal nerve function.

11. Sensory Loss with Painful Feet:

Some individuals experience a combination of sensory loss (numbness) and pain at the same time, particularly in the feet. This paradoxical combination can make it challenging to manage symptoms effectively.

12. Coldness or Heat in the Extremities:

Some people with neuropathy feel that their hands or feet are unusually cold or warm, even when the temperature is normal. This is caused by altered nerve signaling.

Patterns of Sensory Symptoms:

Stocking-Glove Pattern: Many neuropathies, particularly those caused by diabetes or certain toxins, follow a stocking-glove pattern, where symptoms start in the toes and feet, then progress upward to affect the hands and arms.
Asymmetric Symptoms: In some cases, sensory neuropathy may affect one side of the body or one limb more than the other (as seen in focal or multifocal neuropathies).

These sensory symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, depending on the severity of the nerve damage and the underlying cause of the neuropathy. If untreated, sensory symptoms may worsen over time, leading to further complications such as falls or injuries due to loss of sensation.

Jodi Knapp