The symptoms of focal neuropathy are unpredictable and may appear suddenly. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the lower back or pelvis
  
• Pain in the thigh
  
• Pain in the chest, stomach or flank
  
• Paralysis on one side of the face (Bell’s palsy)
  
• Pain on the outside of the shin or inside of the foot
  
• Hearing problems

When the nerves connected to the eyes are damaged from focal neuropathy, the individual may experience vision problems. These symptoms usually include:

• Double vision
• Blurred vision and difficulty focusing the eyes
• Pain or aching behind one eye

If the focal neuropathy is the result of an entrapment syndrome (compressed or pinched nerve), the symptoms are usually isolated to a specific area. With carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common entrapment syndrome, the symptoms appear in the wrist or hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome results in pain, numbness or weakness in the hand and can interfere with function. Diabetes does not cause compression neuropathies, but people with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing this type of nerve damage.

The duration of the symptoms vary according to the type of nerve damage and the individual’s diabetic control. If a diabetic patient does not make an effort to alter contributing factors, the symptoms may last for several months. On the other hand, if the patient lowers glucose (blood sugar) levels and adopts a healthier lifestyle, the symptoms may disappear within several weeks. The symptoms from focal neuropathy may be very painful but usually do not cause any permanent damage. By reducing the risk factors, the patient has the best chance of reducing the severity and duration of the difficulties.