Although the symptoms of sensory dysfunction may appear without warning, most tend to start gradually and increase over time. Pain is usually felt on both sides of your body and can occur constantly or in periodic intervals.

Symptoms include:

• Numbness that spreads into your feet, hands, legs or arms
• Burning, throbbing or sharp pain
• Sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness
• “Pins and needles” or tingling sensation
• Heat intolerance
• Bladder, bowel or digestive issues

The experts at Penn State Health start with a thorough physical exam and medical history by a neurologist (nervous system doctor). Other testing may include:

• Autonomic testing – measures how nerves respond to stimulation
• Bloodwork
• Nerve biopsy – remove a small tissue sample to detect disease
• Electromyography (EMG) – assesses muscle and motor nerve cell health
• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) – electoral test to assess nerve impulses and detect nerve injury
• MRI – imaging test to look at organs
• Pulmonary function test – to measure lung capacity

The outlook for sensory dysfunction varies according to its severity and underlying cause. In some cases, the condition improves with treatment and time. In others, the damage may be difficult or impossible to reverse, causing it to worsen as your illness progresses.

Treatment of sensory dysfunction focuses on addressing the underlying health issues causing your peripheral neuropathy and controlling your pain and other symptoms.

Treatments may include:

• Medication
• Occupational therapy
• Orthopedic devices (braces, splints)
• Physical therapy
• Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin
• Surgery
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)