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The symptoms depend on which type of nerve is affected. The three main types of nerves are sensory, motor, and autonomic. Neuropathy can affect any one or a combination of all three types of nerves. Symptoms also depend on whether the condition affects the whole body or just one nerve (as from an injury).
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SENSATION CHANGES
Damage to sensory fibers results in changes in sensation, burning sensations, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, or an inability to determine joint position, which causes incoordination.
For many neuropathies, sensation changes often begin in the feet and progress toward the center of the body with involvement of other areas as the condition worsens.
MOVEMENT DIFFICULTIES
Damage to the motor fibers interferes with muscle control and can cause weakness, loss of muscle bulk, and loss of dexterity. Sometimes, cramps are a sign of motor nerve involvement.
Other muscle-related symptoms include:
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lack of muscle control
- difficulty or inability to move a part of the body (paralysis)
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muscle atrophy
- muscle twitching (fasciculation) or cramping
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- falling (from legs buckling or tripping over toes)
- lack of dexterity (such as being unable to button a shirt)
AUTONOMIC SYMPTOMS
The autonomic nerves control involuntary or semi-voluntary functions, such as control of internal organs and blood pressure. Damage to autonomic nerves can cause:
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