Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy, also referred to as peripheral neuropathy, occurs when your peripheral nerves are damaged. Your peripheral nerves are the nerves that extend from your spinal cord and spread through your body. They help you move, experience physical sensations, and control many of your body functions like your digestive and urinary systems.

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathy. However, a wide range of other conditions can also cause nerve damage, including:

• Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

• Infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Thyroid disease

• Bone marrow disorders

• Tumors

• Alcoholism

• Trauma

Getting treatment for neuropathy is critical as the condition can lead to complications, including burns, skin ulcers, infections, and loss of balance.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms may vary, depending on the type of nerve that’s damaged. For example, if your sensory or motor nerves are damaged, you may notice:

• Pain

• Numbness

• Tingling or electrical sensations

• Weakness

• Loss of balance

• Inability to hold or grasp objects

• Sensitivity to touch

• Feeling like you’re wearing gloves or socks

However, if your autonomic nerves are damaged, you may find that you become sensitive to heat and either sweat too much or too little. You may develop bladder or bowel problems, or your blood pressure may change.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

During your consultation, Dr. Weisbein asks about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle. She also performs a neurological assessment, checking your reflexes, coordination, and sensitivity to touch. Dr. Weisbein also orders blood tests, MRIs, and nerve function tests to gather more information to inform your diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on your symptoms and how they’re affecting your health. Dr. Weisbein understands that your experience with pain is unique and works with you to create a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life. Some of the therapies that she may include in your program include:

• Medication

• Topical treatments

• Physical therapy

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

• Nerve blocks

• Spinal cord stimulation

If you’re concerned about neuropathy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Weisbein. To schedule a new patient appointment, please call (707) 254-7117 or submit an Online Appointment Request here: New Patient Intake Form. If you are an existing patient, please call (707) 603-1078.