# What are the most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/a-rad-i-tilal-al-a-sab-al-tarafiyyah Language: en Category: neurology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.612Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.612Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/a-rad-i-tilal-al-a-sab-al-tarafiyyah Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition that occurs as a result of damage to the nerves that form the communication network between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body, including muscles and organs [\[1\]](). When these nerves are damaged, they may fail to transmit signals correctly, or they may send incorrect signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms that depend entirely on the type of nerve fibers affected and the location of the injury [\[2\]](). ## Symptoms Related to Sensory Nerves Sensory nerves are responsible for transmitting sensations of touch, temperature, and pain to the brain. Damage to this type of nerve usually begins in the distal extremities (the feet and hands) and manifests as [\[2\]](): - Feeling of numbness, loss of sensation, or tingling that resembles pins and needles. - A sensation of pain that may be described as intense burning, stabbing pain, or electric shocks; this pain often intensifies at night, affecting sleep quality [\[2\]](). - Impaired ability to distinguish temperatures or feel pain from wounds, which puts the person at risk of injury without noticing it [\[1\]](). - Allodynia, where the affected person feels severe pain from touching naturally non-painful objects, such as bed sheets brushing against the skin [\[2\]](). - Loss of balance or inability to coordinate fine movements, such as buttoning shirts, due to the loss of proprioception (awareness of body position) [\[2\]](). ## Symptoms Related to Motor Nerves Motor nerves control the muscles we use for voluntary movement, such as walking, talking, and grasping objects. Damage to these nerves manifests through [\[1\]](): - Progressive muscle weakness. - Painful contractions and muscle cramps. - Appearance of muscle twitching (fasciculations) that can be seen under the skin [\[2\]](). - Muscle atrophy or shrinkage in size over time due to disuse or the interruption of nerve signals [\[1\]](). ## Symptoms Related to Autonomic Nerves Autonomic nerves control the involuntary vital functions of the body, such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate. Damage to them can lead to [\[2\]](): - Irregularities in heart rate or blood pressure. - Digestive problems, including indigestion, nausea, or elimination disorders such as diarrhea and constipation [\[1\]](). - Sweating disorders (reduced or excessive sweating) and heat intolerance [\[2\]](). - Problems with sexual function or bladder control. For more details about the causes, you can review our article on [Peripheral Neuropathy: Causes of Tingling and Burning in the Hands and Feet and How to Manage Them (Arabic)](). ## When Should You See a Doctor? It is advised to seek medical care if you notice symptoms that began suddenly or are severely impacting your daily life. Early diagnosis is essential to rule out underlying medical conditions and begin an appropriate treatment plan, which may include lifestyle modifications, the use of certain medications, or treating underlying diseases such as diabetes [\[2\]](). A thorough clinical examination and medical tests are the first step in determining the type and severity of the neuropathy [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Peripheral Nerve Disorders]() - [Peripheral Neuropathy]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/a-rad-i-tilal-al-a-sab-al-tarafiyyah#answer