Cardiovascular Health Clinic Logo

Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment and Diagnosis

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Neuropathy, now commonly known as peripheral neuropathy, is a disorder of the peripheral nerves. 

The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves manage three functions: sensory, autonomic, and motor functions.

Peripheral nerves are responsible for recognizing touch, temperature, and pain. They are also responsible for muscular strength and voluntary and involuntary movement.

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms generally start with pain or loss of feeling in the fingers and toes. As the condition progresses, the legs and arms might become less sensitive to sensation, making walking or maintaining balance difficult. 

Peripheral Neuropathy Causes

The cause of peripheral neuropathy is not always known, though the condition is frequently a symptom of other health issues. There is also a genetic component -- if a parent has a history of neuropathy, the children are at greater risk.

Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes; over time, high blood sugar weakens nerves. Several other conditions can also cause peripheral neuropathy, including:

  • Kidney Disease. Unaddressed kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the blood, leading to nerve damage. 
  • Nutrient Deficiency. Lack of essential dietary nutrients like vitamin B-12 can cause nerve damage. 
  • Alcohol Use Disorder. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause nerve damage and exacerbate nutrient deficiency, accelerating neuropathy.
  • Traumatic Injury. Physical injury to the nerves can lead to nerve damage.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy can manifest gradually. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Diminished sensation in the fingers and toes
  • Shooting pain in the limbs
  • Tingling in the feet
  • Loss of balance or coordination

Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis

Your risk of peripheral neuropathy is first assessed by obtaining the following information: 

  • Medical history
  • Family medical history
  • Symptoms

Additionally, your physician will conduct a physical examination to check your ability to sense touch, pain, and temperature. If additional screenings are necessary, your physician will order a series of tests that check the function of your nerves. These tests might include the following screenings:

  • Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies: This two-part test assesses peripheral nerve health. The test involves administering electric shocks to the skin directly over the suspected damaged nerve. The technician then measures the response to determine if the nerves are damaged and the nature of the damage.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI tests allow the physician to visualize the internal structure and identify abnormalities. 
  • Computerized Tomography (CT). CT scans can detect compressed nerves, abnormal growths, herniated disks, and other anomalies that can interfere with nerve function.

 You will also undergo blood screening to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or infections that can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation 

CardioVascular Health Center offers peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), an outpatient neuromodulation therapy that provides targeted pain relief for chronic or neuropathy patients. PNS is an alternative to the traditional medication or treatment options used to treat neuropathy or chronic pain, especially for patients for whom conventional therapies have not been successful or optimized for adequate pain relief. Traditional medication therapies have many drawbacks and side effects, including limited replacement and the risk of dependency. Medication can also tire patients, interfering with their lifestyle and overall quality of life.

To learn more about peripheral neuropathy treatment options or to schedule a consultation with a neuropathy doctor, please get in touch with our helpful representatives today.

Patient Resources

We’re committed to timely, efficient, and affordable care.
Here is a collection of useful resources our new and existing patients need in one convenient location.
Please let us know if you need additional information or have any questions.

Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

-
Blaine P., M.D.
Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.
-
LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

-
Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

-
Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

-
David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

-
Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

-
Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

-
D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

-
Christy G.

Contact Us Today

MM slash DD slash YYYY
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Address
protected by reCAPTCHA
Privacy - Terms

Copyright © 2023 CardioVascular Health Clinic. All Rights Reserved. Website by Healthcare Success.
crossmenu