Different Types of Neuropathy

There are four different types of neuropathy and each of them has their own set of signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment. The symptoms of some types of neuropathy may mimic the others types and some of the different types of neuropathy have the same treatments as well.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy for diabetics. This is especially true if you have diabetes and do not treat or you undertreated your diabetes. The longer you allow your blood sugars to remain high-by not eating a proper diabetic diet or not monitoring and using insulin as necessary. Statistics show that at least 50% of adult diabetics will experience peripheral diabetes at some point. This damage can be permanent or temporary. The odds are already against diabetics so the best idea is to do anything you can to help prevent yourself from being the half that has peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage to the arms, hands, legs, and feet. The legs and feet are the most effected by peripheral neuropathy.

What is Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy effects the nervous system and control such functions in the body as the bladder, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines and the digestive system overall.

Common symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include: abdominal pain, bloating, and burping a lot. Those with autonomic neuropathy generally report issues with the digestive system-including but not limited to:

-slow food digestion
-nausea
-vomiting
-erectile dysfunction
-vaginal dryness
-difficulty maintaining a normal blood pressure reading
-and heart issues associated with blood pressure that eventually leads to orthostatic blood pressure.

What is Proximal Neuropathy

Proximal neuropathy generally affects senior citizens and is marked by extreme pain in the hips and buttocks. Over a period of time the muscles become weak and atrophy. Proximal Neuropathy often leads to severe weight loss, especially in the elderly.

What is Focal Neuropathy

Focal neuropathy eye pain affects the eyes and is marked by eye pain. This type of neuropathy is generally not permanent but it can lead to Bell's palsy, and paralysis of one eye. However, for the majority of focal neuropathy sufferers the condition goes away in a couple of weeks.

The four types of neuropathy are Peripheral, Autonomic, Proximal, and Focal Neuropathy. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of any of the types of neuropathy then you should consult your physician to get treatment if necessary.

Sources:
www.mayoclinic.com
www.google.com/health
www.wikipedia.com