Learn the signs and symptoms of neuropathy and what you can do to protect your nerves.
Neuropathy (or peripheral neuropathy) refers to a neurological condition where the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body are damaged or diseased. Peripheral nerves conduct signals to your organs, muscles, and skin.
Symptoms of nerve damage
- Numbness and tingling
- Loss of sensation in arms or legs
- Burning, pins and needle pain in hands and feet
- Weakness in arms and legs
Causes of nerve damage
- Diabetes – #1 cause
- Alcoholism
- Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Cancer and chemotherapy
- Certain medications
- Thyroid or kidney problems
- Infections like HIV, Lyme disease, and Shingles
- Hereditary diseases
- Unknown reasons
Diagnosing neuropathy
Your doctor will take a history of your symptoms and examine you for signs of neuropathy. You may be sent for blood tests to exclude common causes of neuropathy. An electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) at Neurotest of New York can help your doctor determine which nerves are damaged and how severe.
Treatments
Early diagnosis of neuropathy is important to prevent worsening nerve damage.
Treatment begins in correcting the cause of your neuropathy like diabetes, stopping alcohol and smoking, and taking vitamin supplements so your nerves can begin to heal. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help with your symptoms. Exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your nerves healthy.