Description
The brain communicates with the spinal cord. The spinal cord transmits signals to the body through the peripheral nerves. Damage can occur to these nerves. This results in numbness, weakness, and/or pain. Causes include: diabetes, alcohol, vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroid, lead poisoning, kidney failure, chemotherapy. Sometimes a cause of peripheral neuropathy is not found.
Symptoms
The nerves that are most affected by peripheral neuropathy are the longest nerves in the body. This means the worst symptoms are usually in the feet. Sensation changes include: burning, pain that increases with touching the skin, tingling or numbness, or an inability to determine position. Numbness in the feet can lead to calluses and foot ulcers.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. If the problem is not obvious, tests to diagnose the neuropathy may include: "EMG" (electromyogram, electroneurogram) which test nerve function. This test is not usually necessary to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. Blood tests to screen for medical conditions such as diabetes and vitamin deficiency should be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Nerve conduction study
Other Specific Tests: EMG, Nerve biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. If the problem is not obvious, tests to diagnose the neuropathy may include: "EMG" (electromyogram, electroneurogram) which test nerve function. This test is not usually necessary to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. Blood tests to screen for medical conditions such as diabetes and vitamin deficiency should be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Nerve conduction study
Other Specific Tests: EMG, Nerve biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
The cause of neuropathy needs to be treated to minimize progression of nerve damage. Symptoms can be improved with medications (gabapentin/Neurontin, carbamazepine/Tegretol, lamotrigine/Lamictal, amitriptyline/Elavil, nortriptyline/Pamelor).