Symptoms

The major symptom of neuropathy is pain, which can range from tingling discomfort through to burning sensations and a super-sensitivity to touch. This extreme sensitivity can be so severe that just wearing shoes or socks or lying under bedclothes can be unbearable.

These symptoms are usually symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body equally. However some neuropathies are focal, featuring one part of the body or nerve, and tend to be caused by lymphoma, varicella zoster virus, tuberculosis or CMV.

Symptoms of symmetrical sensory neuropathy often start at the soles of the feet and gradually get higher. Many people only complain when the symptoms reach the ankles. Rarely, people experience similar symptoms in their fingers and hands.

The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy can include dizziness, diarrhoea and sexual impotence.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.