Sensory Impairment

• Damage to sensory nerves produces tingling sensations, which are referred to as paresthesias. Symptoms may progress to include dysesthesias, distorted sensory perceptions that occur when touching an external object. Eventually, sensory anesthesia may develop, which is the lack of any sensation at all.
  
  

Lack Of Coordination

• Sensory neuropathy that progresses to include sensory anesthesia may negatively affect balance, gait and sense of relative position.
  
  

Involuntary Functions

• When autonomic nerves are involved, involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, bladder function and even perspiration may alter. Symptoms may begin with dizziness and graduate to sexual dysfunction and incontinence.
  
  

Loss Of Mobility

• Neuropathy affecting the peripheral nerves of the legs and feet may begin with "pins and needles" sensations, especially during rest or sleep. However, without medical treatment, standing or walking may become progressively difficult.
  
  

Considerations

• According to The Neuropathy Association, roughly 30 percent of neuropathy cases are attributed to diabetes Type 1. Other conditions that increase the risk of experiencing neuropathy as a progressive disease include cancer, various autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies and systemic infections.