Warning Signs Of Amyloidosis

Difficulty Swallowing

Amyloidosis can present in the form of a patient having difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Amyloid deposits can form within and replace healthy muscle tissues. Additionally, amyloid deposits can form and accumulate in the interstitial tissues that neighbor the affected muscle. This mechanism causes a decrease in muscle contraction that results in constrictive impairment of the affected muscles. When this malfunction occurs in and around the muscles that move the jaw, it may result in an inability to chew physically and swallow properly. This process can occur in and around the lower esophageal sphincter, causing increased pressure and an inability of the sphincter to relax. This malfunction results in the impairment of the esophageal phase of swallowing. Additionally, the main nerve supply to the esophagus and upper GI tract can exhibit reduced function caused by reduced blood flow that results from amyloid deposits in the submucosal vessels. Amyloid deposits in the submucosal layer can cause increased rigidity and decreased motility that results in problems swallowing. Macroglossia that occurs due to amyloidosis may cause sensations of pain when swallowing.

Numbness And Tingling In The Hands And Feet

Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet can be an indication an individual has amyloidosis. Numbness, tingling, burning sensation, and a lack of feeling can manifest in the toes, soles of the feet, fingers, and hands. Temperature sensitivity may also become decreased in the hands and feet. These sensations are the result of amyloidosis precipitated neuropathies of the peripheral nerves, sensory nerves, and sometimes the autonomic nerves. Approximately twenty percent of individuals affected by amyloidosis experience some form of peripheral neuropathy, while around fifteen percent experience autonomic neuropathy. Cardiac involvement in autonomic neuropathies can cause symptomatic postural hypotension that results in the shortage of oxygen delivery to the hands and feet, which may induce numbness and tingling sensations. Amyloidosis patients can develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to amyloid deposits in the rigid carpal tunnel, causing the main nerve that feeds the hand to become compressed. The compressed nerve can cause numbness and tingling feelings in the fingers and thumb.