Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy describes nerve damage that occurs in your peripheral nervous system. This part of your nervous system is responsible for providing sensations to all areas of your body outside of your brain and spinal cord.

You develop neuropathy when there’s damage to the nerve cells due to trauma or an underlying medical condition like diabetes. Neuropathy can also be the result of chronic neck or back problems that put pressure on the nerves. 

This damage can affect any of the nerves in your peripheral nervous system, including your:

Sensory nerves

Sensory nerves carry messages from your body to your brain that relate to your five senses. These nerves are responsible for touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight.

Autonomic nerves

Autonomic nerves regulate functions that are out of your control, such as your heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

Motor nerves

Motor nerves carry messages from your brain to your muscles, assisting in their contraction and relaxation.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

The symptoms of neuropathy vary based on the type of nerve that sustains damage. In many cases, the early warning signs of neuropathy include feeling tingling sensations in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

You may also experience other symptoms of neuropathy, including:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Muscle cramps
• Sexual dysfunction
• Throbbing or burning pain

To prevent a worsening of your condition, it’s important to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Lakeside Neurology as soon as possible.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

To confirm neuropathy or rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, Dr. Schneider offers several diagnostic tests, including:

Nerve conduction velocity study

A nerve conduction velocity study involves placing small electrodes on the surface of your skin that deliver small currents of electricity into your nerve to determine how quickly it responds.

Electromyography (EMG)

An EMG measures the electrical activity in your muscles to determine if there’s dysfunction between your muscle and nerve. The test involves the insertion of a thin needle that delivers a current of electricity directly into your muscle.

Sudomotor function test

A sudomotor function test determines if your sweat glands are releasing chloride ions. This test can also identify abnormalities that can indicate small fiber neuropathy, a condition that occurs when the small myelinated fibers of your peripheral nerves have damage.

In addition to these diagnostic tests, Dr. Schneider also provides screenings to identify nutritional, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders that can cause symptoms similar to neuropathy.

How is neuropathy treated?

Based on the results of your diagnostic tests, Dr. Schneider creates a treatment plan that focuses on relieving your symptoms and keeping them well-controlled in the long-term. Treatment may include:

Supplements

In many cases, Dr. Schneider is able to reduce your dependence on pain-relieving medications by using natural supplements and CBD products from Medix CBD and Green Roads to boost your overall health.

Physical therapy

You may benefit from a physical therapy program to improve your circulation and strengthen your muscles.

Acupuncture 

Dr. Schneider offers acupuncture, which is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses fine needles to stimulate the healing of your nerves. She places the needles in certain areas of your body to reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation to the area surrounding your damaged nerve.

If you have persistent numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, schedule a diagnostic evaluation for neuropathy at Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online today.