Peripheral neuropathy

Adjusting position, using frames to keep bedclothes off tender body parts, or other measures may also be helpful to reduce pain.

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Autonomic changes may be treated symptomatically. They may be difficult to treat or respond poorly to treatment.

Postural hypotension (low blood pressure) -- use of elastic stockings and sleeping with the head elevated may help. Fludrocortisone or similar medications may be beneficial in reducing postural hypotension for some people.
Reduced gastric motility -- medications that increase gastric motility (such as metoclopramide), eating small frequent meals, sleeping with the head elevated, or other measures may help.
Bladder dysfunction -- manual expression of urine (pressing over the bladder with the hands), intermittent catheterization, or medications such as bethanechol may be necessary.
Impotence, diarrhea, constipation or other symptoms are treated as appropriate.

Support Groups:

Additional information can be obtained from the Neuropathy Association.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome greatly depends on the cause of the neuropathy. In cases where a medical condition can be identified and treated, the outlook may be excellent. However, in severe neuropathy, nerve damage can be permanent, even if the cause is treated appropriately.

For most hereditary neuropathies, there is no cure. Some of these conditions are harmless, while others progress more rapidly and may lead to permanent, severe complications.

Complications:

The inability to feel or notice injuries can lead to infection or structural damage. Changes include poor healing, loss of tissue mass, tissue erosions, scarring, and deformity. Other complications include:

partial or complete loss of movement (or control of movement)
partial or complete loss of sensation
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
cardiac arrhythmias (uncommon)
decreased self esteem
relationship problems related to impotence
recurrent or unnoticed injury to any part of the body

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are present. In all cases, early diagnosis and treatment increases the possibility that symptoms can be controlled.

Nerve pain, such as that caused by peripheral neuropathy, can be difficult to control; if pain is severe, see a pain specialist to ensure that you get the best and most up-to-date pain treatment.

Emergency symptoms include irregular or rapid heartbeats, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and fainting.

References:

Delalande S, de Seze J, Fauchais AL, et al. Neurologic manifestations in primary Sjogren syndrome: a study of 82 patients. Medicine (Baltimore). 2004 Sep;83(5):280-91.

Mori K, Iijima M, Sugiura M. Sjogren's syndrome associated painful sensory neuropathy without sensory ataxia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003 Sep;74(9):1320-2.