Editing Peripheral neuropathy (section)

== Signs and symptoms ==
Those with diseases or dysfunctions of their nerves may have problems with normal nerve functions. Symptoms vary depending on the types of nerve fiber involved.<ref>{{cite web| title = Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet | publisher = National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke | url = https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet | access-date = 30 May 2020}}</ref> {{citation needed|date=July 2016}} In terms of sensory function, symptoms commonly include loss of function ("negative") symptoms, including [[wikt:numb|numbness]], [[tremor]], impairment of balance, and [[gait abnormality]].<ref name="CioroiuBrannagan2014"/> Gain of function (positive) symptoms include [[Paresthesia|tingling]], [[pain]], [[itch]]ing, crawling, and [[paresthesia|pins-and-needles]]. Motor symptoms include loss of function ("negative") symptoms of weakness, [[fatigue (physical)|tiredness]], [[muscle atrophy]], and [[gait abnormality|gait abnormalities]]; and gain of function ("positive") symptoms of [[cramps]], and muscle twitch ([[fasciculation]]s).<ref name="Azhary2010"/>

In the most common form, length-dependent peripheral neuropathy, pain, and [[parasthesia]] appear symmetrically and generally at the terminals of the longest nerve in the lower legs and feet. Sensory symptoms usually develop before motor symptoms such as weakness. Length-dependent peripheral neuropathy symptoms make a slow ascent of the lower limbs, while symptoms may never appear in the upper limbs; if they do, it will be around the time that leg symptoms reach the knee.<ref name="WatsonDyck2015">{{cite journal | vauthors = Watson JC, Dyck PJ | title = Peripheral Neuropathy: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Symptom Management | journal = Mayo Clinic Proceedings | volume = 90 | issue = 7 | pages = 940–51 | date = July 2015 | pmid = 26141332 | doi = 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.05.004 | doi-access = free }}</ref> When the nerves of the [[autonomic nervous system]] are affected, symptoms may include constipation, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and [[orthostatic hypotension|dizziness when standing]].<ref name="Azhary2010"/>

===CAP-PRI scale for diagnosis===
A user-friendly, disease-specific, quality-of-life scale can be used to monitor how someone feels with the burden of chronic, sensorimotor polyneuropathy. This scale, called the Chronic, Acquired Polyneuropathy - Patient-reported Index (CAP-PRI), contains only 15 items and is completed by the person affected by polyneuropathy. The total score and individual item scores can be followed over time, with item scoring used by the patient and care provider to estimate the clinical status of some of the more common life domains and symptoms impacted by polyneuropathy.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Gwathmey KG |author2=Conaway MR |author3=Sadjadi R |display-authors=etal |title=Construction and validation of the chronic acquired polyneuropathy patient-reported index (CAP-PRI): A disease-specific, health-related quality-of-life instrument |journal=Muscle & Nerve |publisher=Muscle Nerve |date=2015-12-29|volume=54 |issue=1 |pages=9–17 |doi=10.1002/mus.24985 |pmid=26600438 |pmc=4950873 }}</ref>