What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuritis?

Jun 01, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ligong
Introduction
1. **Neuropathy involvement**: Patients with peripheral neuropathy often experience sensory disturbances, such as paresthesia or abnormal sensation in the distal extremities. 2. **Autonomic dysfunction**: Peripheral neuropathy may lead to autonomic nervous system impairment. 3. **Motor dysfunction**: Due to peripheral neuropathy, patients may gradually develop decreased muscle tone, muscle weakness, and diminished tendon reflexes.

Peripheral neuritis is a collective term for multiple peripheral nerve injuries caused by various factors, including toxins, metabolic or nutritional disorders, infections, allergies, and hypersensitivity reactions. So, what are the symptoms of peripheral neuritis? The following section addresses this question.

Peripheral Neuritis 1.jpg

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuritis

1. Sensory Nerve Involvement

Patients with peripheral neuritis commonly experience sensory disturbances, such as involvement of sensory nerves and abnormal sensations in the distal extremities. Typically, affected areas exhibit characteristic pain sensations—including dull, burning, stabbing, cramping, or tearing pain. Even light contact with objects using the hands may evoke numbness. Early in the disease, these symptoms usually appear first in the fingers and toes; as the condition progresses, patients may become unable to walk or grasp objects.

Peripheral Neuritis.jpg

2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

Peripheral neuritis can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Following onset, the distal portions of affected limbs often feel abnormally cold. In severe cases, symmetrical sensory loss may occur in the distal extremities. Additionally, dry skin is a relatively common manifestation of autonomic dysfunction associated with peripheral neuritis; patients may develop brittle nails, thinning skin, xerosis (excessive dryness), and even desquamation (peeling or flaking).

Peripheral Neuritis 2.jpg

3. Motor Function Impairment

Due to peripheral neuritis, patients gradually experience decreased muscle tone, muscle weakness, and diminished tendon reflexes. Prolonged motor dysfunction not only impairs activities of daily living but, in severe cases, may lead to muscle atrophy or mild paralysis. Moreover, some patients also present with dysautonomia—manifesting as pallor and excessive sweating. Once clinical symptoms appear, prompt treatment is essential. During the acute phase, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be used in combination.

The above outlines the characteristic symptoms of peripheral neuritis. We hope this information is helpful to you.

Related Articles

View All