Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (PN)

Symptoms vary depending on type of nerves affected - and may include:

-   Gradual onset of numbness and tingling in feet or hands.   May spread upward into your legs and arms;

-   Burning/Searing pain.   Especially at night, when it can seriously disrupt ability to sleep;

-   Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain;

-   Extreme sensitivity to touch.   Even light touch;

-   Lack of coordination;

More severe cases experience:

-   Muscle weakness/wasting or paralysis.   If motor nerves are affected;

-   Autonomic nerve dysfunction (Organ / gland dysfunction). With an inability to:

•  Swallow/digest food properly/control bowel function.   Lack of esophageal or intestinal muscle control (possibly manifesting as diarrhea or constipation)

•  Maintain healthy blood pressure.    Lack of arterial muscle control for contraction/dilation -experienced as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting when a person moves suddenly from a seated to a standing position;

•  Control bladder function.   Lack of bladder muscle control can cause incontinence or lead to infection.

•  Sweat normally

•  Have normal sexual function