Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological condition. Neuropathy means "pathology of nerves" or "something wrong with the nerves" and peripheral neuropathy most often refers to symptoms of numbness or pain in the toes and feet or in the hands. Diabetes, including early or pre-diabetes, is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. but many other conditions are associated with the diagnosis.

People with immunological disease such as Lupus may develop a peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can occur due to medications such as Chemotherapy or to toxicity from chronic alcohol use. Nutritional deficiencies, such as B12 deficiency, can cause neuropathy and infections such as AIDS or Lyme disease can injure the peripheral nerves. A genetic abnormality or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is at times identified as the cause. In over 30% of cases a specific cause of neuropathy cannot be identified and in these cases the neuropathy does not typically lead to any severe impairment.

The evaluation of symptoms suggestive of peripheral neuropathy includes laboratory testing for associated medical conditions, such as the conditions reviewed above, along with the direct evaluation of the peripheral nerves and muscles with NCS/EMG testing. Treatment depends on the underlying medical diagnosis with careful management of underlying conditions such as diabetes to help prevent further progression of the neuropathy. Medications such as elavil, neurontin, or lyrica may be used to help relieve the pain and burning that may be present. Ankle or wrist braces are at times needed for patients with weakness, and self-inspection of the feet for cuts or injuries is important in patients with significant sensory loss.

Peripheral neuropathy is common neurological condition and the physicians of the NeuroTexas Institute are able to provide expert evaluation and management of this often treatable diagnosis.