Neuropathy is more common than you may realize and causes ongoing pain in 7-10% of the population. The skilled physicians at All Neurological Services can determine the cause of your neuropathic symptoms and develop an integrative plan that supports nerve healing and alleviates your pain.
Schedule an appointment online or call the office in Brooklyn, New York, or in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.
Q&A
Neuropathy
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to any type of nerve problem. Though you can have damaged nerves in any part of your body, neuropathy most often affects your feet or hands.
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The many different types of neuropathy are classified into several broad categories. Of those, the most common type, peripheral neuropathy, develops from exposure to toxins and many health conditions, including:
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Diabetes
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Herniated discs
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Spinal stenosis
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Degenerative disc disease
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Kidney disease
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Hypothyroidism
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Peripheral artery disease
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Viral and bacterial infections
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Vitamin B12 deficiency
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Autoimmune diseases
Diabetes accounts for more cases of peripheral neuropathy than all other causes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common type of neuropathy.
Q&A
Neuropathy
What symptoms develop if I have neuropathy?
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The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the type of nerve that is damaged. You may experience any of the following:
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Pain
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Tingling
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Numbness
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Muscle weakness
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Muscle deterioration
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Excessive sweating
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Rapid heartbeat
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Dizziness
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Swollen feet or hands
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Your symptoms may range from mild to debilitating, and the pain may feel like a burning sensation or a sharp electric shock. With pinched nerves, the pain and tingling can travel along the nerves, causing pain that shoots into your arms or legs.
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
All Neurological Services begins diagnosing your neuropathy by getting a clear picture of your medical history and symptoms, performing physical and neurological exams, and ordering blood tests. Their information helps them evaluate for some of the neuropathy’s many possible causes.
Then they perform nerve conduction and electromyography. These diagnostic tests measure the strength and speed of nerve impulses and how well muscles respond to nerve stimulation. The results allows your physician to localize where within the nerves or muscles the problem may be.
Q&A
Neuropathy
How is neuropathy treated?
All Neurological Services treats the medical condition responsible for your neuropathy while also taking steps to ease your symptoms. In some cases, treating the root cause also eliminates neuropathy.
However, there is no cure for some underlying conditions such as diabetes. If you have diabetic neuropathy, it’s essential to control your blood sugar levels. Maintaining regular blood sugar minimizes your symptoms and prevents neuropathy from getting worse.
Your neuropathy treatment plan may include any of the following:
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Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications
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Corticosteroid and lidocaine injections
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Exercise and/or physical therapy
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Peripheral nerves often heal, but this process depends on the location, extent, and cause of the nerve damage.
If you struggle with nerve pain, tingling, or numbness, call All Neurological Services, or schedule an appointment online today.