Because motor nerves are damaged, the thigh muscles become weak and shrink. Recovery usually takes 6 to 18 months. Once the pain recedes, the muscles build up again. This type of neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, the nerves which control the whole range of bodily functions, including the action of the stomach, intestine, esophagus, bladder, genitals, sweat glands and even the heart. These are all nerves which work independently of conscious control.
Symptoms vary considerably, depending on the organs affected.
The gastrointestinal tract is one continuous tube running from the mouth, to the stomach, to the intestines to the anus. When the stomach is affected, its movement can be impaired, and so can the secretion of digestive juices. Since food is not absorbed as quickly as it should be, severe hypoglycemic episodes can occur after meals. Hyperglycemia may occur at night when the meal finally does move into the intestine. When the small intestine is affected, diarrhea is the result.