By Dr Roopa KG
Imagine waking up one morning with a peculiar tingling sensation in your feet that persists, like pins and needles. Or realising that your hands feel strangely weak and that you’re dropping things more frequently. While these may initially appear to be minor irritations, they could actually be precursors to peripheral neuropathy, a more serious condition.
The extensive communication network that transmits signals between your brain, spinal cord and the rest of your body is impacted by peripheral neuropathy. Damage to these nerves can affect your movement, sensations and even the function of your organs.
The Significance of Early Detection
Early detection is vital. Your chances of slowing or even reversing nerve damage increase with the promptness with which you identify the warning signs.
Initially, these signs will present as less frequent symptoms, but as nerve damage increases will begin to appear with increased regularity. Let’s examine the early signs–that you shouldn’t overlook–in more detail.
- Constant numbness or tingling: We all experience momentary ‘pins and needles’ when we sit awkwardly or in the same position for long duration, but if you experience persistent tingling, prickling or numbness, particularly in your hands, fingers, toes, or feet, it is cause for concern. Usually beginning in the extremities, early peripheral neuropathy gradually spreads upwards.
- Sharp, piercing pain or burning: Early nerve pain can feel like walking on hot coals or getting stabbed by sharp needles, as people have described. Over time, these uncomfortable feelings may become persistent or they may come and go.
- Touch Sensitivity: Your nerves may become hypersensitive and even something as mild as a bedsheet rubbing against your skin can hurt or cause discomfort. Allodynia is a condition that may be a precursor to neuropathy.
- Modifications to the skin, hair, or nails: Blood circulation is also impacted by nerve health. Some early indicators could be skin that is dry or cracked, hair loss and brittle nails, change in skin colour or temperature.
- Diminished Perception of Temperature or Touch: It can be risky to lose the sense of touch, temperature, or pain. Injuries or infections could result from walking with a stone in your shoe or burning yourself without realising it.
- Problems with the digestive system, bladder, or blood pressure: When autonomic nerves, which regulate involuntary functions, are compromised, you might experience constipation, nausea, or bloating; have trouble emptying your bladder fully; feeling lightheaded or fainting when you stand (because of a drop in blood pressure).
It takes time for peripheral neuropathy to “go away”. Serious side effects, such as irreversible nerve damage, ulcers, infections and even amputations (particularly in diabetic patients), may result from untreated cases.
There is good news though. Peripheral neuropathy can be controlled, slowed down, or even partially reversed, if detected early. This is especially true if the underlying cause – such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases – is treated right away.
How to Proceed If You Observe Symptoms
Do not disregard any of these warning indicators and if you experience them, here’s what you ought to do:
Consult your physician right away.
If necessary, request nerve conduction studies or a neurological evaluation.
Control underlying diseases such as infections, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
Make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating right, exercising frequently, and giving up smoking.
Enquire about prescription drugs, physical therapy and other nerve-protective measures.
Every second of our lives, our nerves silently operate in the background. It is critical to pay attention when they begin to communicate distress. Regaining health should begin with identifying the early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy.
About the author:
Dr. Roopa K.G. is a qualified and experienced consultant neurologist at Sahyadri Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Shivamogga. She holds an MBBS and an MD in General Medicine, along with a DNB in Neurology. A distinguished member of the medical community, she is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN) and a member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (MNAMS). With a strong clinical background and a commitment to patient care, Dr. Roopa specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological disorders.
