Sensory Neuropathy vs. Peripheral Neuropathy: What’s the Difference?

Peripheral neuropathy involves damage or dysfunction that impacts the peripheral nerves. These nerves are responsible for carrying signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. This category encompasses multiple subtypes of neuropathy, including sensory neuropathy, motor neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy, each affecting distinct nerve functions. Sensory neuropathy specifically involves the nerves responsible for sensation, and patients experience altered or diminished perception of touch, pain, temperature, or vibration.

Unlike general peripheral neuropathy, which can include muscle weakness, autonomic dysfunction, or mixed symptoms, sensory neuropathy presents largely through changes in sensation. Patients often notice tingling, burning, numbness, or hypersensitivity in the extremities, typically beginning in the feet and hands. These symptoms may progress over time, impacting daily function and safety, particularly if pain or numbness interferes with balance or the ability to detect environmental hazards.

Peripheral neuropathy can result from a wide array of factors, including diabetes, infections, toxins, trauma, or metabolic imbalances, whereas sensory neuropathy may arise from more specific nerve damage that primarily affects sensory fibers.

San Antonio Pain Consultants combines state-of-the-art diagnostic tools with tailored therapies to relieve discomfort, restore function, and minimize further nerve damage. By isolating the cause, interventions can be more precise, whether through pharmacologic treatment, nerve blocks, physical therapy, or lifestyle modification strategies. This focus allows patients to regain mobility and quality of life while reducing the risk of complications associated with generalized peripheral nerve dysfunction.

Sensory neuropathy primarily affects the nerves responsible for sensation, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Patients often describe tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, or numbness in the hands, feet, or other extremities. Burning, stabbing, or electric-like pain is frequently reported, particularly at night, which can interfere with sleep and daily activities.

Changes in temperature perception and sensitivity are also associated with sensory neuropathy. Individuals may feel discomfort from mild temperature variations that would not normally cause pain. Some patients experience hypersensitivity to touch, where even light pressure or contact triggers sharp pain. Others experience a loss of protective sensation, which increases the risk of cuts, burns, or injuries that go unnoticed. Coordination and balance may be impacted by sensory neuropathy. Numbness or impaired sensation in the feet can make walking or standing unstable, leading to falls or difficulty performing daily tasks. Additional symptoms often include intermittent sharp pains or sudden episodes of electric shocks in the extremities.

The clinic uses a combination of pharmacologic therapies, nerve stimulation techniques, and patient education to address these episodes, teaching strategies to minimize triggers and manage pain when it arises. By treating both the symptoms and the functional impacts of sensory neuropathy, San Antonio Pain Consultants helps patients maintain daily routines and overall well-being despite the challenges of nerve dysfunction.

Sensory neuropathy results from damage to the sensory nerves that detect touch, temperature, pain, and vibration. Diabetes is the most common underlying cause, as chronically elevated blood sugar damages nerve fibers over time. Other metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiencies, toxins, infections, and physical trauma can also contribute to sensory nerve injury. Toxins and certain medications may directly damage sensory nerves, with chemotherapy and alcohol consumption being potential risks. Chemotherapeutic agents disrupt the microtubules of neurons, impairing signal transmission, while chronic alcohol use interferes with nerve metabolism and depletes essential nutrients. Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders can also lead to the condition’s onset. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others can trigger an immune response that attacks sensory nerves, leading to chronic inflammation and degeneration.

Cases where no clear cause is identified, are not uncommon. The clinic approaches these situations with a combination of diagnostic testing, symptomatic management, and functional support. By integrating precise diagnostics, individualized therapy, and ongoing monitoring, San Antonio Pain Consultants ensures that all contributing factors to sensory neuropathy are addressed, even when the cause is unclear, providing patients with meaningful relief and improved quality of life.

Sensory neuropathy can lead to more serious complications, especially if it is not managed effectively. One concern is the loss of protective sensation in the hands and feet, which increases the risk of injury, infections, and chronic ulcers. Small cuts, burns, or pressure sores may go unnoticed and become severe, potentially leading to infections that require medical intervention. The specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants focus on early detection and protective strategies, teaching patients to monitor extremities carefully and adopt measures to prevent injury. Balance and mobility issues can also develop, as sensory deficits impair the ability to detect changes in terrain or pressure. Patients may have a higher risk of falls or accidents, which can result in fractures or other injuries.

Neuropathic pain itself can escalate if left untreated, interfering with sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Persistent burning, tingling, or electric sensations can create chronic discomfort that affects both physical and emotional well-being.

Sensory neuropathy may sometimes indicate systemic health issues that require broader management. Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or nutritional deficiencies that cause nerve damage can also impact other organs and overall health. By combining advanced diagnostics, personalized therapies, and ongoing patient support, San Antonio Pain Consultants helps individuals manage sensory neuropathy effectively, preventing serious problems and preserving quality of life.

Dr. Darius Zagunis stands out as a leading specialist in diagnosing and treating sensory and peripheral neuropathy in San Antonio, TX, due to his extensive expertise and board certification in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. With years of experience in pain management, Dr. Zagunis takes a comprehensive approach to understanding the complexities of neuropathic conditions. He uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess the cause and severity of nerve damage, ensuring a personalized treatment plan that targets the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with numbness, tingling, or pain in your extremities, Dr. Zagunis’ expertise in identifying the underlying issues ensures that you receive the most effective treatment possible.

Dr. Zagunis’s holistic approach to treating sensory and peripheral neuropathy in San Antonio sets him apart from other providers. He combines both medical and non-medical therapies, such as nerve blocks and physical therapy, to promote nerve healing and restore function. His patient-centered care ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs, addressing both short-term relief and long-term recovery. With a deep understanding of the complexities of neuropathy, Dr. Zagunis is dedicated to improving his patients’ quality of life by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and promoting overall wellness.

San Antonio Pain Consultants provides neuropathy treatment. Contact us for more information or schedule a consultation today. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and the surrounding areas.