What Are the Stages of Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a chronic condition caused by damage to the nerves around the brain and spinal cord. The disorder affects millions of individuals each year. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to pinpoint the cause of the discomfort as it can occur anywhere in the body. 

Patients experience pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness in the extremities. If not treated, the condition can continue to worsen through different stages. It is necessary to understand the stages of neuropathy. 

Pain and Numbness

The first stage of neuropathy is characterized by slight pain and numbness. Patients experience the symptoms that come and go. The pain is subtle but clear and may come with slight numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. 

Patients experience slight issues with their balance and reflexes during the early stage. Most patients do not seek treatment at this stage as they can continue with their daily activities. 

Constant/Persistent Pain

In the second stage of neuropathy, the pain and numbness are constant or persistent. It is unclear when patients move from the first to the second stage of neuropathy. The recurring pain becomes uncomfortable at this stage, and most people take pain relief medication. 

The symptoms are more obvious and difficult to ignore, and most people realize that something is wrong at this point. If caught and treated at this stage, the nerve damage is reversible.  

Intense/Debilitating Pain 

The third stage of neuropathy is characterized by daily pain that can make it impossible to perform everyday duties. At this stage, OTC medications do not work anymore, and it is almost impossible to alleviate the pain. At this stage, patients experience additional symptoms associated with nerve damage. While it may be possible to reverse some damage, the condition is usually permanent. 

Constant Numbness 

Failing to get treatment for neuropathy at the third stage will cause the condition to worsen. During the fourth stage, the patient’s legs and feet become numb. It is a sign that there are no healthy nerves to transmit signals to the brain. The increase in numbness comes with reduced pain. 

The reduction in pain is not a good sign but rather a sign of dead or dying nerves. It indicates that most of the nerve fibers are becoming irreversibly damaged. It can become hard to keep balance or walk, and it is vital to seek urgent treatment. 

Complete Loss of Sensation

In the final stage of neuropathy, there is a complete loss of sensation. By this stage, the patient has lost all feeling in the lower limbs or extremities. There is no pain, just severe numbness. Walking is difficult at this stage, as there is no nerve function to send signals to the brain. 

The unsteady balance necessitates the use of a wheelchair. Immediate medical care is vital at this stage. The nerve damage is permanent, but treatment may help regenerate some nerve fibers.  

Neuropathy often appears in the hands and feet, but it can affect other areas such as the back and face. If you experience any symptoms, you need to contact your health provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further damage. 

For more on the stages of neuropathy, visit Pleasant Life Health Center at our Charleston, South Carolina office. Call (843) 428-7900 to schedule an appointment today.