Neuropathy Specialist

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a Peripheral Nerve disorder. It often causes numbness, tingling, and weakness or pain. The most common distribution noted is the “stocking-glove” pattern. Most people who develop peripheral neuropathy are over age 55, but people can be affected at any age.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy has many forms and causes. Many treatable causes are known today and significant research in the matter keeps making the diagnosis and treatment better. The most common cause is diabetes. Other common causes include alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, autoimmune processes (where the body’s own immune system attacks parts of the nerves), and genetics. Exposure to certain drugs or toxins can lead to neuropathy.

Some very common Entrapment Neuropathies seen with prevalent lifestyles- with many hours spent on electronic devices are Carpal tunnel syndrome, Ulnar Neuropathy. This, unfortunately, is seen most often in the younger population- late teens and above

What Are The Symptoms?

The common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Tingling
• Burning
• Pricking, stabbing, or shock-like pain
• Muscle cramping
• Numbness
• Sensitivity to touch

Over the years, nerve damage may worsen. Later symptoms can include:

• Weakness
• Loss of muscle mass
• Digestive problems
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Dizziness
• Balance and walking problems
• Increased risk of ulcers or infections in the feet

Most types of neuropathy develop and progress slowly. But some types come on quickly. For instance, with Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP- disorders in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, neuropathy symptoms appear suddenly, progress rapidly and need urgent diagnosis and treatment

How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Peripheral neuropathy is often first recognized because of the characteristic symptoms. A physician starts with a good history and physical examination, followed by tests for nerve damage. These predominantly electrical tests of the nerves and muscles (Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies) help to confirm and classify the neuropathy. More tests may be needed to determine the cause of the neuropathy. 

What Are The Treatment Options?

The Myth- that neuropathies are not treatable- is not true. It all depends on the cause of the disease and treating it in a timely fashion. Lifestyle interventions are recommended based on the diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes multi-modality approaches are used like therapy, nerve stimulating devices and assist devices.

For people with neuropathy caused by diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels may prevent further nerve damage. This cannot always be taken for granted as there can be other causes of your Neuropathy, that are potentially treatable, that need to be ruled out. Medications that alter the immune system can be used to treat autoimmune neuropathies.

Exercise may reduce nerve pain and improve overall health.

Talk to your physician about which treatments may be best for you.

Living With Peripheral Neuropathy

Lifestyle changes may also help relieve symptoms and to quote a few-

Try to:

• Stop smoking. Nicotine has been found to increase pain perception.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Avoid excess vitamins; for example an excess of vitamin B6, which can cause neuropathy at levels of more than 100 mg daily.

What is autoimmune neuropathy?

When your immune system attacks your nerves and causes irreversible damage, it is considered autoimmune neuropathy. Rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, lupus, and Guillain-Barre syndrome or AIDP, CIDP, MMN are just a few autoimmune neuropathy conditions (Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP); Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP); Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) }

Autoimmune neuropathy syndromes can be rapidly disabling and are treatable.

Dr. Gupta takes a patient-centered approach to determining an accurate diagnosis. She creates the most effective treatment plan for your specific neuropathy conditions.

How is neuropathy treated?

Because the causes of neuropathy vary greatly, treatments also vary. Once Dr. Gupta identifies the underlying cause of your specific type of neuropathy, she treats with a multimodality approach which is always tailored to the patients’ needs

If you suffer from painful neuropathy symptoms, call or schedule a consultation online.

North Texas Neurology & Neuropathy proudly serves the neighborhoods of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, and the Greater Dallas Area.