Peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition that can cause many different symptoms. This is because the damage can happen to any part of the peripheral nervous system, which includes sensory nerves, motor nerves and the autonomic nervous system. Often, more than one type of nerve is affected. Symptoms may be mild in the beginning, but often get worse over time, or with more cancer treatment.
Learn more about:
Sensory nerves
| What these nerves do | control sensation and feeling including pain, temperature, touch, vibration, and where the body is moving (important for balance and coordination) |
| Symptoms of damage |
|
Motor nerves
| What these nerves do | control muscle movement |
| Symptoms of damage |
|
Autonomic nervous system
| What these nerves do | control blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and sweating, digestion, and bowel and bladder function |
| Symptoms of damage |
|
My symptoms included acute pain, numbness, and sharp pins and needles in my hands and feet. Exercise and daily tasks became more difficult. I often felt unstable when walking and was prone to falls. I started slowly building up my fitness. I gradually got back to my tennis and long walks. It was very frustrating, but I was encouraged by small, incremental improvements.
Phil
→ READ MORE: Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Dr Fiona Day, Senior Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; James Chirgwin, Senior Physiotherapist – Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care, The Wesley Hospital, QLD; Kim Kerin-Ayres, Nurse Practitioner Cancer Survivorship, Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre, Concord Hospital, NSW; Melanie Moore, Lead Exercise Physiology Clinical Supervisor, UC Cancer Wellness Clinic, University of Canberra, ACT; Olivia Palac, Acting Assistant Director, Occupational Therapy, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Danielle Rippin, Consumer; Dr Jane Wheatley, Clinical and Health Psychologist, Department of Pain Medicine, St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney, NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
