If your primary care physician believes that you may be suffering from any sort of peripheral neuropathy, they may suggest that you see a neurologist, who is a specialist in disorders that affect the nerves. First, the neurologist will examine you and take a medical history of your symptoms. They will look for evidence of decreased reflexes, numbness, and muscular weakness. You might need to have tests done on your blood and urine to check diabetes, vitamin or metabolic deficiencies, and the existence of any underlying disease or genetic flaw that might be influencing the function of your nerves. Chemotherapy is a frequently seen cause. You’ll also need to give some careful consideration to how much alcohol you consume and the kinds of drugs that you take.
An electromyogram (EMG) and a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test could also be performed on you. These procedures are utilized to evaluate nerve and muscle function in addition to measuring the electrical characteristics of the nerves. With the use of these tests, medical professionals are typically able to identify the aberrant nerves and establish which component of their structure has been compromised.
Biopsies of the nerves and muscles can also be conducted, and the information they reveal regarding the nature and etiology of neuropathy can be quite helpful. An umbilical puncture sometimes referred to as a spinal tap, is occasionally advised to assist in the identification of an infection or inflammation that may be connected with neuropathy.
If anybody in your family has been diagnosed with neuropathy or has experienced symptoms comparable to those of your disease, your doctor may want to check their medical records or check them to look for potential genetic linkages between your condition and theirs.
What Kinds Of Treatments Are Available For People Who Suffer From Peripheral Neuropathy?
The diagnosis and neuropathy treatment are strongly dependent on determining what caused the nerve damage in the first place. A peripheral neuropathy, for instance, that is brought on by a vitamin deficiency can be treated, and in some cases even reversed, by receiving vitamin treatment and making dietary changes. Similarly, avoiding alcohol can frequently prevent and even reverse the nerve damage that is brought on by excessive consumption of alcohol. In many cases, the treatment for peripheral neuropathy that is brought on by hazardous chemicals or pharmaceuticals will be quite similar. If neuropathy is caused by diabetes, close monitoring of blood sugar levels may help to halt the condition’s progression and relieve associated symptoms.
Because the peripheral nerves have a low capacity to regenerate, it is crucial to diagnose and treat peripheral neuropathy as soon as possible. Treatment may only halt the course of the condition, however; it will not repair the damage already done. If your condition has worsened , where you are significantly disabled, you may require physical treatment to keep your strength and prevent muscle cramps and spasms. Some antiepileptic drugs, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), gabapentin (Neurontin), or pregabalin (Lyrica), as well as other medicines, can help reduce the symptoms of this condition.
Patients who have sustained nerve damage as a result of an injury or from nerve compression may be candidates for surgical therapy. It could be beneficial to make use of mobility aids like cane, walker, or wheelchair. Your doctor may recommend pain medication for you if you are experiencing discomfort.
How Peripheral Neuropathy Can Be Prevented?
By adhering to healthy lifestyle behaviors, it is possible to avoid developing some types of peripheral neuropathy. Eating a diet rich in nutrients, being active consistently, and avoiding drinking excessive amounts of alcohol are all things that can help prevent nerve injury. Injuries and exposure to harmful substances should be avoided wherever possible, and underlying conditions like diabetes should be managed as well as possible to maximize protection. Consult South Valley Neurology for treatment.
