What is a symptom of peripheral neuropathy?

Tingling or numbness in the extremities is a hallmark symptom of peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the central nervous system. When these nerves are damaged, they can produce abnormal sensations, leading to feelings of tingling, numbness, burning, or even pain, particularly in the hands and feet.

This symptom arises because peripheral neuropathy often results from conditions such as diabetes, infections, injuries, or toxic exposure that impair nerve function. The characteristic tingling or numbness is typically a result of either sensory nerve dysfunction or miscommunication between the peripheral nerves and the brain.

While muscle weakness and loss of balance can also occur with certain types of neuropathy, they are not as universally recognized as the primary symptoms. Severe headaches are not related to peripheral neuropathy and are indicative of other neurological or systemic issues. Therefore, the presence of tingling or numbness in the extremities accurately reflects what patients commonly experience with peripheral nerve damage.