Focal Neuropathy

When you focus on something, your attention zeroes in on a specific item. Focal neuropathy is damage that occurs to a nerve controlling a specific muscle, often resulting in severe pain. Some of the symptoms of focal neuropathy include:

Focal neuropathy can cause severe pain in the lower back.

• double vision or difficulty focusing your eyes  
• an ache behind one eye  
• paralysis or drooping of one cheek (Bell's palsy)  
• severe pain in the lower back or pelvis  
• pain in the front of a thigh or in the chest, stomach, or side  
• pain on the outer shin or inner foot  
• sudden weakness of the ankle, known as "foot drop"  
• chest or abdominal pain that mimics a heart attack or attack of appendicitis

   

Focal neuropathy usually afflicts older patients. It flares up suddenly but seems to fade on its own after a few weeks or months.

A related problem, called entrapment syndrome, occurs when nerves become compressed. The wrists are a common location for entrapment, which is well-known to anyone who has developed carpal tunnel syndrome from using a keyboard or computer mouse for an extended period. (Bones in the wrist called carpals form a tunnellike structure; repetitive motions cause tendons in the wrist to swell, compressing nerves.) As you can see, the various symptoms of autonomic neuropathy can affect almost every part of your body. Learn about the symptoms in this article, and report any signs to your doctor to ensure you stay healthy for a long, long time.

For more information on diabetes and its related conditions, try the following links:  

• Diabetic Neuropathy is a complex injury that should not be left undiagnosed. Learn more about it in this informative article.
• Damage to the eyes is a common complication associated with diabetes. Find out more on our Diabetes and Eye Problems page.  
• Diabetes Symptoms covers the diverse signs of the disease, from increased thirst and hunger to sudden weight loss.  
• To learn more about diabetes in general, including diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment, visit our main Diabetes page.

Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and the author of several books. His work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers, including Prevention, Health, Reader's Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, Men's Health, Esquire, Fortune, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS:

Dana Armstrong, R.D., C.D.E., received her degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of California, Davis, and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. In private practice for 21 years, she has developed educational programs that have benefited more than 5,000 patients with diabetes. She is the cofounder and program director of the Diabetes Care Center in Salinas, California..

Allen Bennett King, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E., C.D.E., received his degrees and training at the University of California, Berkeley; Creighton University Medical School; the University of Colorado Medical Center; and Stanford University Medical Center. He is the author of more than 50 papers in medical science and speaks nationally on new advances in diabetes.