Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy nerve pain is the result of damaged or dysfunctional peripheral nerves that send incorrect or incomplete signals to other pain centers and includes a change in the nerve function and surrounding tissues or nerves.

Nerve injuries affecting one nerve is called mononeuropathy. When many peripheral nerves throughout the body simultaneously malfunction the condition is called polyneuropathy. There are several types of polyneuropathy: Each of these presents differently and has a different cause.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain can be any of the following:

  • Loss of strength in arms or legs
  • Feeling odd sensation – heat, cold, tingling, burning
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Sharp or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Numbness and/ or tingling in hands or feet

Nerve dysfunction or malfunction can be caused by many factors or combination of factors, such as:

  • Alcoholism
  • Preexisting chronic disorders such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases
  • Bacterial infection, such as diphtheria
  • Toxins that are found in some commercial insecticides
  • Cancer that damage the nerves
  • Poor nutrition/ vitamin deficiencies
  • Nerve trauma
  • Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and sedatives

James L. Carlisle, MD will diagnose Peripheral Neuropathic Pain through:

  • Evaluating your medical history
  • Physical evaluation
  • A nerve study
  • Electromyography

Treatment usually begins with correcting the underlying condition that is causing the neuropathic pain. The goal is to reverse the damage to the nerve that is causing the pain. If symptoms persist, physical therapy and medications may help to directly treat the nerve dysfunction.

Treatments may also include:

  • Physical Medicine
  • Prescription medications
  • Topical pain creams
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation

Contact Omega Rehabilitation and Spine today. James L. Carlisle, MD can evaluate and help plan effective treatment for occasional or chronic pain. If pain is a persistent or long-lasting problem in your everyday life, you shouldn’t wait a minute longer. Call today.