Neuropathy Symptoms

WHAT IS NEUROPATHY

Neuropathy is where the outer sheathing (protective covering, also called the myelin sheath) of nerve cells (also called neurons) starts to degenerate. This is similar to an electrical wire that is covered with insulation, and the insulation is beginning to crumble. Without insulation the unprotected wire will start short-circuiting.

In the same way, when the sheathing of nerve cells degenerate, the signals being transmitted are scrambled, resulting in your body receiving signals that are interpreted as numbness, heat, cold, tingling, pain, etc. in the toes, feet legs, fingers, hands and arms.

Here are some of the various terms for neuropathy

Dysesthesia

A condition in which light physical contact of the skin causes pain; abnormal sensations on the skin that can include burning, prickling, numbness, or pain.

Hyperesthesia

A heightened sensitivity of a part of the body such as the skin, or of any of the senses.

Hypalgesia

Reduced sensitivity to pain. Also called hypoalgesia.

Hyperalgesia

Heightened sensitivity to pain or enhanced intensity of pain sensation; excessive sensitiveness to pain.

Hypoesthesia

An unusually reduced sensitivity to touch; numbness. Also called hypesthesia.

Neuralgia

An intermittent and often severe pain in a part of the body along the path of a nerve, especially when there is no physical change in the nerve itself.

Neuritis

Inflammation of a nerve, accompanied by pain, loss of reflexes, and muscle shrinkage.

Paresthesia

An unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensation on the skin.

Vertigo

A condition in which somebody feels a sensation of whirling or tilting that causes a loss of balance.