Peripheral Neuropathy: When Numbness and Tingling Could Signal Nerve Damage

26/06/2026

Have you ever experienced numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or unexplained weakness in your hands or feet? These symptoms may be early signs of peripheral neuropathy, a condition caused by nerve damage that can affect sensation, balance, and mobility if left untreated.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Symptoms may include:

• Numbness or reduced sensation in the hands or feet
• Tingling or "pins and needles" sensations
• Burning or stabbing pain
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Difficulty walking

Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen over time if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Who Should Consider Screening?

Peripheral neuropathy screening may be particularly beneficial for:

• Individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes
• Individuals with hypertension or metabolic syndrome
• Those with a family history of diabetes
• Individuals experiencing numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or nerve pain
• People experiencing balance difficulties or unexplained muscle weakness

Many patients develop nerve damage before symptoms become severe, making early assessment especially valuable.

Why Early Detection Matters?

Peripheral nerve damage can sometimes be slowed, stabilised, or even improved when identified early.

Detecting the underlying cause allows healthcare providers to:

• Optimise diabetes management
• Identify vitamin deficiencies
• Address reversible causes of nerve dysfunction
• Prevent progression of nerve damage
• Reduce the risk of falls and mobility problems
• Improve long-term quality of life

Unfortunately, many patient only seek treatment once symptoms start affecting daily life.

Assessing Nerve Health with Sudoscan

One of the tools used in peripheral neuropathy assessment is Sudoscan, a non-invasive test that evaluates small nerve fibre function by measuring sweat gland activity.

The test is:

• Quick and painless
• Non-invasive
• Comfortable and easy to perform
• Useful for detecting early nerve dysfunction

Peripheral Neuropathy Screening Package at Sunway Medical Centre

This comprehensive assessment helps identify potential risk factors and provides patients with a clearer understanding of their nerve health.

View the screening package below and secure your screening appointment by clicking here.