If your physician believes you have a type of Peripheral Neuropathy, he or she can refer you to a neurologist, a specialist in nerve diseases. The neurologist will start by taking a medical history and testing you for muscle weakness, loss of feeling, and weakened reflexes. Diabetes, vitamin or nutritional deficiency, and the existence of any underlying disorder or genetic deficiency, which may be influencing nerve function, may require blood and urine tests. Chemotherapy is one of the most common causes. You will also need to examine your alcohol level and any drugs you are taking.
An electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can also be administered to determine nerve and muscle activity and calculate the magnetic conductivity of the nerves. Doctors may also detect irregular nerves and assess which portion of their function is impaired using such tests.
Biopsies of the nerves and muscles can also be undertaken, which can say a lot about the form and cause of the Peripheral Neuropathy. A spinal tap, also known as an umbar puncture, is also prescribed to help diagnose infection or infection that may be causing the neuropathy.
If someone in your relatives has been infected with Peripheral Neuropathy or has encountered symptoms similar, your doctor will want to check or analyze their medical history to see if there are any possible genetic similarities to your disease.
What Are The Various Forms Of Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments?
The cause of peripheral neuropathy plays a big role in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Vitamin therapy and a better diet, for instance, can cure and even restore peripheral neuropathy induced by a poor diet. Similarly, nerve damage caused by alcohol misuse can also be prevented and improved by abstaining from alcohol. Toxic chemicals or drugs may also induce peripheral neuropathy, and can be treated in the same manner. When neuropathy is caused by diabetes, diligent blood sugar control can help to delay its development and alleviate symptoms.
Since peripheral nerves have a restricted ability to regenerate, early diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy is critical, as treatment can only slow the development of damage rather than reverse it. If you have been seriously disabled, physical therapy could be needed to help you maintain strength and prevent muscle cramps and convulsions. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), and antiepileptic drugs are some of the medications used to treat effects.
For people who have suffered nerve damage because of an accident or nerve compression, surgery may be recommended. Mobility aids like a cane, walker, or elevator may be beneficial. Your physician can prescribe pain medication to alleviate your discomfort.
What Can Be Done To Avoid Peripheral Neuropathy?
Some cases of Peripheral Neuropathy can be prevented by pursuing a balanced lifestyle. Nerve harm can be avoided by eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake. Peripheral neuropathy can be avoided by avoiding accidents and dangerous substances, as well as properly handling underlying conditions like diabetes.