What is peripheral neuropathy?
Your peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that extend out from your spine and travel through your body. It includes your motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops when your peripheral nerves are damaged. It can affect one or more nerves in different parts of your body.
Peripheral neuropathy can cause a wide variety of symptoms, depending on the type of nerve that’s damaged. Some of the symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling sensations in your hands or feet
- Sharp, burning, or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Feeling like you’re wearing socks or gloves
- Lost coordination and balance
- Paralysis
- Excessive sweating
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Changes in blood pressure
Peripheral neuropathy can progressively worsen with time, so if you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment for diagnosis and treatment right away.
What causes peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetes is one of the most prevalent causes of peripheral neuropathy. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to your peripheral nerves and increase your risk of ulcers and amputation. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Lyme disease, shingles, and other infections
- Tumors
- Bone marrow disorders and cancers
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Underactive thyroid
Understanding the cause of your peripheral neuropathy is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. If you fail to treat the condition causing your nerve damage, your health will continue to worsen, even if you manage your symptoms.
How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?
At Premier Pain Management, Dr. Khoury provides physical and neurological exams, as well as extensive testing, to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. He uses tests, including blood tests, urinalysis, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography, to locate your nerve damage and assess its severity. Dr. Khoury might also order MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds to look for tumors, herniated discs, and other issues that could cause peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
How is peripheral neuropathy treated?
Dr. Khoury provides customized treatments to alleviate your peripheral neuropathy symptoms. He often combines therapies to create a multidisciplinary approach to improving your overall wellness. Your treatment plan might include:
- Physical therapy
- Pain-relieving medication
- Topical treatments
- Anti-seizure medicines
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
If you’re concerned about peripheral neuropathy, call Premier Pain Management or make an appointment online today for expert, personalized care.
