sensory peripheral neuropathy

Sensory peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain. This can result in a range of symptoms, including:

• Loss of sensation: Difficulty feeling sensations such as touch, pain, or temperature changes, particularly in the feet [2][6].
• Tingling and numbness: A prickling or tingling sensation in the affected body part, often described as "pins and needles" [3][7].
• Difficulty with balance: Sensory peripheral neuropathy can impair the ability to feel the position of the feet, making it difficult to maintain a steady gait and increasing the risk of falls [1].
• Pain and discomfort: Some people may experience pain or burning sensations in the affected area [9][13].

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be progressive, meaning they can worsen over time. In some cases, sensory peripheral neuropathy can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

It's worth noting that sensory peripheral neuropathy is often associated with other conditions, such as diabetes, and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further progression and manage symptoms effectively.

Sensory peripheral neuropathy can manifest in various ways, depending on the severity and location of nerve damage. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Numbness: A feeling of numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet, which can be a result of damaged sensory nerves that fail to send signals to the brain [1].
• Pins and needles: A prickly or pins-and-needles sensation in the affected body part, often accompanied by numbness or tingling [7].
• Loss of sensation: Difficulty feeling pain, temperature changes, or a light touch in the affected area [6].
• Numbness and tingling: Numbness and tingling sensations can occur in specific areas, such as the feet or hands, due to damaged sensory nerves [8][9].
• Burning or sharp pain: Some people may experience burning or sharp pain in the affected areas, which can be a result of nerve damage [8][9].

It's essential to note that symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of peripheral neuropathy. In some cases, symptoms may be confined to one area, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, while in others, multiple nerves may be affected.

References: [1] - The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves. [6] - Sensory nerves control what you feel, such as pain, temperature or a light touch. Sensory neuropathy affects these groups of nerves. [7] - pins and needles in the affected body part · numbness and less ability to feel pain or changes in temperature, particularly in your feet [8] - Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy · numbness and tingling in the feet or hands · burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas · loss of balance and co- [9] - Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy · prickling or tingling sensations in certain body parts · a feeling of pins and needles · burning or sharp pain · numbness

Diagnostic Tests for Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Sensory peripheral neuropathy can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to diagnose sensory peripheral neuropathy:

• Physical Examination: A thorough neurological evaluation is essential in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy. Your doctor will obtain your medical history, ask questions about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination to assess any nerve damage.
• Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST): QST is a diagnostic test used to measure the sensitivity of nerve endings to various stimuli such as touch, vibration, cooling, and heat. This test can help diagnose and assess the severity of nerve damage, especially in small nerve endings [3].
• Nerve Conduction Studies: These studies measure the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through nerves. They can help identify nerve damage or dysfunction.
• Electromyogram (EMG): An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles to determine if there is any muscle damage or nerve dysfunction.
• Sweat Test: A sweat test measures your body's ability to sweat, which can be affected in some cases of peripheral neuropathy [1].
• Nerve Biopsy: In some cases, a nerve biopsy may be performed to examine the structure and function of nerves.

Additional Tests

Depending on the suspected underlying cause of sensory peripheral neuropathy, additional tests may be ordered. For example:

• Blood Glucose Test: If diabetes is suspected as the underlying cause, blood glucose levels will be measured.
• Thyroid Function Tests: If hypothyroidism is suspected, thyroid function tests (TSH and T4) will be performed.
• HIV Test: If HIV infection is suspected, a test will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

References

[1] Diagnosis. Peripheral neuropathy has many possible causes. Besides a physical exam, which may include blood tests, diagnosis usually requires: ... Other tests can include a sweat test that measures your body's ability to sweat and sensory tests that record how you feel touch, vibration, cooling and heat. Nerve biopsy. This involves removing a ...

[3] A thorough neurological evaluation helps doctors to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. Your doctor will obtain your history and you will be asked questions about your symptoms and associated medical conditions. ... Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Used to diagnose and assess the severity of nerve damage, especially in the small nerve endings ...

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the context numbers provided, which are used as citations for the information presented.

Treatment Options for Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Sensory peripheral neuropathy, also known as idiopathic sensory polyneuropathy, can be challenging to treat, but various medications and therapies have been found to provide relief from symptoms. Here are some treatment options:

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve severe pain associated with nerve irritation [4].
• Topical agents: Topical patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin can help alleviate small painful areas [5][6]. Capsaicin cream has been shown to provide relief from neuropathic pain by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P, which transmits pain signals to the brain.
• Anticonvulsants: Certain anticonvulsant medications, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, have been found to be effective in treating nerve-related pain [7].
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline have been used to treat chronic nerve-related pain [8]. A study published on October 15, 2020, found that nortriptyline had the highest efficacious percentage (25%) and the second-lowest quit rate (38%), making it a useful treatment option.
• Other medications: Various other medications, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and dibenzazepine anticonvulsants, may be prescribed to treat peripheral neuropathy [2].

It's essential to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on individual cases, and a healthcare professional should be consulted for personalized advice.

References:

[1] Context result 3: Sometimes other terms are used, including cryptogenic neuropathy or chronic polyneuropathy of undetermined cause. [2] Context result 2: Drugs used to treat Peripheral Neuropathy [4] Context result 4: Corticosteroids [5] Context result 6: Aug 7, 2024 — These include lidocaine patches or a topic cream called capsaicin, which can be helpful for small painful areas. [6] Context result 7: Medications. Many medications can treat peripheral nervous system problems. [7] Context result 5: For people with chronic nerve-related pain, a doctor may prescribe topical patches containing lidocaine or an anti-epileptic or antidepressant medication. [8] Context result 8: Oct 15, 2020 — Nortriptyline had the highest efficacious percentage (25%), and the second-lowest quit rate (38%).

Differential Diagnosis of Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Sensory peripheral neuropathy can have various underlying causes, and a comprehensive history, physical examination, and judicious laboratory testing are essential for accurate diagnosis.

• Mononeuropathies: These involve damage to a single nerve or group of nerves, leading to sensory loss, numbness, pain, or burning sensations in specific areas of the body. [7]
• Multifocal neuropathies: These involve damage to multiple nerves at different locations, resulting in a more widespread distribution of symptoms.
• Polyneuropathies: These are disorders affecting multiple peripheral nerves simultaneously, often presenting with symmetric numbness, paresthesias, and dysesthesias in the feet and distal lower extremities. [9]
• Sensory axonal neuropathy and sensory neuronopathy: These conditions have similar electrodiagnostic features and can be challenging to differentiate from other forms of sensory peripheral neuropathy. [11]

Other important subgroups for differential diagnosis include:

• Predominately motor, painful peripheral neuropathies
• Mononeuritis multiplex: A painful, asymmetrical, asynchronous sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy involving isolated damage to at least 2 separate nerve areas that can be in random areas of the body. [7]

Causes of Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Some potential causes of sensory peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pernicious anemia
• Vitamin B-6 intoxication
• Alcoholism
• Uremia
• Chemical toxins
• Nerve entrapment and compression of benign etiology
• Hepatitis

Diagnosis and Staging

Accurate diagnosis and staging of sensory peripheral neuropathy require a comprehensive clinical assessment, judicious laboratory testing, and electrodiagnostic studies or nerve biopsy if necessary. [6]

References:

[1] Context 4 [2] Context 5 [3] Context 12 [4] Context 7 [5] Context 11 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 7 [8] Context 13 [9] Context 9 [10] Context 10 [11] Context 11