Classification of neuropathy
Neuropathy can affect any part of the nervous system. It occurs in nearly 50% of patients with diabetes. It is often caused by damage to the peripheral nerves. Iy can be classified into:
1) “Glove and stocking” sensory loss (peripheral sensory neuropathy) is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Patients often complain of numbness of the feet and hands, but may not have symptoms in the early stage.
2) Acute, diffuse, painful neuropathy is less common. Patients may complain of abrupt onset of burning sensation or pain, commonly in the legs. It is not related to the duration an individual has had diabetes. It usually improves with time.
3) Diabetic amyotrophy is another type of neuropathy. It primarily affect the elderly patients with diabetes. Patients complain of pain, weakness and wasting of muscle in one or both anterior thighs. The onset can be sudden or gradually.
4) Localised or focal neuropathy involves a single nerve which can be either cranial or peripheral nerve. It can also occur in non-diabetic individuals.
5) Damage to the autonomic nerves can lead to impotency, fullness (gastrparesis) after eating, poor bladder control, diarrhea and giddiness on getting up suddenly. |
