Peripheral neuropathy is a result of nerve damage that causes numbness in the hands and feet and/or weakness. While one of the most common causes of nerve damage like this is diabetes, the condition can also be a result of infections, such as exposure to toxins, metabolic issues, and traumatic injuries. When the nerves are damaged, they don't function properly. People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensations in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts of the body as well. At Neurology New South Wales you can talk to a specialist for peripheral neuropathy and seek appropriate treatment for your condition.
Possible Symptoms of Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can occur in sensory nerves, motor nerves, or autonomic nerves, and most often starts in the nerves that reach the toes. Symptoms depend on the affected nerves but could include burning, gradual onset of numbness and tingling that can spread, sensitivity to even the lightest of touches, muscle weakness, and sharp, electric-like pain. The condition can affect one, two, or even several nerves. Early diagnosis is key, so as soon as you experience symptoms, seek professional help from a neurologist. The first time you notice any symptom, schedule a consultation with our peripheral neuropathy specialist to find out whether you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy or another condition.
Peripheral nerve problems represent any type of injury to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. These conditions can involve changes in function, pain, and sensation due to previous surgeries, injuries, and, sometimes, systemic diseases.
Potential causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
Certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs
Heredity
Advanced age
Arthritis
Alcoholism
Neurological disorders including spina bifida and fibromyalgia, are associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Acute injury to the peripheral nerves
Successful treatment of peripheral neuropathy depends on identifying an underlying disorder, type and mechanism of nerve damage. Because of the multiple causes of peripheral neuropathy, it is important to visit an expert specialist in the field for a correct diagnosis.
Based on the results of the patient's history, a neurological exam and additional testing may be ordered to help determine the nature and extent of the neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy Therapy
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on its cause and is directed to the correction of underlying reasons. Neuropathies that are secondary to vitamin deficiencies can be treated with vitamin supplementation. Neuropathies associated with immune diseases can improve with the treatment of the autoimmune disease. Depending on the particular type of neuropathy, a neurologist may provide peripheral neuropathy therapy to affect an autoimmune-mediated process with Immunoglobulin. Neuropathies caused by nerve entrapment (like carpal tunnel) or injuries can often be treated with surgery.
If a specific treatment isn't available, the pain of neuropathy can usually be alleviated with medications. When a conservative approach doesn’t show any result, a neuromodulation treatment can be considered. It consists primarily of electrical stimulation or lesioning of specific regions of the nervous system.