Peripheral neuropathy refers to the sensory nerve damage, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves in the body’s extremities such as legs, arms, internal organs, face, and mouth. This disorder is caused by injuries, infections, autoimmune illnesses, and inherited disorders. In the United States, the leading cause of this illness is diabetes. Glen Rock neuropathy specialists understand the importance of determining the cause and getting you the best treatment because this disorder can be such a nightmare.

Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

Various kinds of this disorder stem from traumatic injury to nerve damage. They are classified according to the root of damage or the problem they cause as follows:

Mononeuropathy

They are caused by repetitive motion due to physical injury or trauma, damaging a single nerve. Examples of these disorders are carpal tunnel syndrome (injury to the wrist nerve), ulnar nerve palsy (damage to the eyebrow nerve), radial nerve palsy (damaged arm nerves), and peroneal nerve palsy (damage to the knee nerve).

Polyneuropathy

It occurs when multiple nerves in the body malfunction at the same time. It is caused by exposure to toxins such as alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, and disease complications such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure. An example of this illness is diabetic neuropathy. 

Causes of Neuropathy Disorder

It is difficult to pinpoint the origin of this disorder since many factors cause this illness, and they are as follows:

Acquired Neuropathies

They are caused by environmental factors such as illness, trauma, toxins, and infections. The known causes are diabetes, alcoholism, poor nutrition, cancer, infection from Lyme disease, and AIDs, kidney, and thyroid disease, particular medication, and vitamin deficiency.

Hereditary Neuropathies

Are genetically passed on from parent to child. They cause degeneration of nerve insulators, causing them not to conduct electrical impulses to trigger muscle movement, causing weakness in legs and arms. An example is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type one.

Idiopathic neuropathies

They are usually from unknown causes.

Symptoms

The common signs include:

·       Muscle weakness.

·       Numbness and tingling in the arms and feet.

·       Loss of balance and coordination.

·       Sexual dysfunction.

·       Shooting, stabbing, and burning pain in the affected area.

·       Unintentional weight loss.

·       Low blood pressure and dizziness.

Diagnosis

Neuropathy specialists at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine will first conduct a thorough history and physical exam by reviewing your symptoms. They will then conduct a neurological exam by checking reflexes, coordination, and balance. Blood work and imaging tests are then done to determine mineral deficiency and nerve tumors.

The doctors may additionally conduct genetic testing if they suspect a genetic condition could be causing illness and conduct an electrodiagnostic assessment to find the location and degree of nerve damage.

Treatment

• Medicines such as antidepressants, topical creams, and antiseizure relieve pain.
• Physical therapy helps to increase muscle strength and balance.
• Avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and low intake of alcohol prevents nerve damage.
• Mechanical aids such as braces keep the affected nerve in proper alignment.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, immune suppressor, and acupuncture to help relieve pain.

Talk to a Neuropathy Specialist Today

The outlook for peripheral neuropathy depends on the underlying cause and the damaged nerves. Therefore, it is vital to contact a team of specialists at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine to get a prompt diagnosis, quality treatment, and proper therapies.