Peripheral Neuropathy

• 1). Be aware of tingling, burning or numbness that start in your feet and move up your legs. Usually your feet are affected first, but you may start to feel these symptoms in your hands and arms too.
  
  
• 2). Have a friend or relative gently run a fine wire or nylon thread along your toes and soles of your feet. Lack of sensation or extreme sensitivity are indicators of nerve damage.
  
  
• 3). Pay attention to your stride as you walk. If you rock side to side as you walk or have trouble lifting your feet, that could be a sign of peripheral nerve damage. Ask those around you if they have noticed a change in how you walk.
  
  
• 4). Be aware of how you grasp objects. Losing your grip and dropping objects frequently is another symptom of neuropathy.
  
  

Autonomic Neuropathy

• 1). Track your bathroom habits. Frequent bouts of constipation, diarrhea and digestive problems are signs of autonomic neuropathy.
  
  
• 2). Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women, is another sign of nerve damage.
  
  
• 3). Notice sudden changes in blood pressure, such as feeling dizzy when you stand up quickly.
  
  

Focal Neuropathy

• 1). See how well your eyes adjust from light to darkness or vice versa. Severe difficulties in adjustment could indicate nerve damage.
  
  
• 2). Advise your doctor if you develop pain behind an eye or along one side of your face.
  
  
• 3). Carpal tunnel syndrome, or swelling in your fingers and hands, are indicators of focal neuropathy.