Peripheral Neuropathy- Symptoms

In this short video I explain the types of symptoms you may get if you have a peripheral neuropathy. It can cause both pain and burning sensations from hyperexcitability of the nerves that are still working or numbness caused by there not being enough nerve fibres left over. One of the most common symptoms would be a loss of balance and this can lead to an increased risk of falls. Having a peripheral neuropathy would rarely lead to weakness in the legs that is sufficient enough to lead to someone needing to be in a wheelchair however if you end up becoming physically inactive because of loss of balance and fear of falling the legs may become weak from lack of activity. In later videos I will work with my physiotherapist to bring exercise videos specifically designed for patients with a peripheral neuropathy- they are designed to challenge your balance and sensation of where your feet are in a safe environment- this will then lead to better control of balance and posture when they are challenged in real life situations such as walking on an uneven surface.