Stages of neuropathy

Neuropathy usually progresses slowly, but speed varies with the cause and how well it is treated.

Early stage

Mild tingling or numbness in the toes, sometimes with burning at night. Tests may show early changes. This is the best time to treat the cause, such as controlling blood sugar, correcting vitamin B12 and stopping alcohol or a harmful medicine.

Progressive stage

Symptoms rise from the toes toward the knees and affect the fingers. Pain, loss of feeling and balance problems increase. Sleep and daily activities can suffer.

Advanced stage

Marked numbness, weakness and muscle wasting. Foot deformity, ulcers and infections can occur, especially in diabetes. Falls become more likely. Rarely, amputation is needed.

Autonomic involvement

Dizziness, digestive problems and bladder changes may appear at any stage.

Recovery

If the cause is treated, nerves can recover slowly, around a millimetre a day. Pain may improve before feeling returns. Some damage may be permanent.

Acute emergencies

Fast-rising weakness, as in Guillain-Barre syndrome, needs hospital care at once. Call 112 or 102.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes disease in stages of accumulation, aggravation and spread. This is interpretive.

Remember

Treating the cause early gives the best chance of stopping progression.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness that lasts more than a few days, especially with diabetes. Avoid long self-medication and unknown herbal products, and do not use oils, herbs or home remedies on infants or young children without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.