What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves become damaged. The job of the peripheral nerves is to carry messages to and from the brain. For example, your peripheral nerves will tell your brain that you need to take your hand off a hot stove. Someone with peripheral neuropathy, wouldn’t know to remove their hand because they are not receiving and sending messages properly. Peripheral Neuropathy is not a one size fits all kind of kind condition. There are many different causes, treatments, and symptoms for peripheral neuropathy. If you are suffering from this condition, our EMG Testing on Long Island can help diagnose your symptoms as well as the severity. Get in touch Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island today.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Although the causes of peripheral neuropathy aren’t 100 percent known, the main causes known are the following:
- Diabetes- When someone is diabetic they have abnormally high levels of blood sugar and fat which results in nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy.
- Alcohol- Your body can only consume so much alcohol before it starts to do true physical harm. By consuming too much you put yourself at risk for vitamin deficiency which has been linked to causing nerve damage.
- Chemotherapy drugs- Chemotherapy has many side effects such as hair loss and nausea. Yet what you may not realize is just how harmful chemotherapy drugs really are. More specifically, drugs like vinca alkaloids, paclitaxel, etc. can cause peripheral neuropathy
Given the seriousness of peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are the following:
- numbness
- throbbing pain
- pins and needles
How can Peripheral Neuropathy be Treated?
If someone has peripheral neuropathy it’s important that they receive proper treatment. However, there are various treatments for this condition. However, before doctors can treat it, they have to know what they’re dealing with. For this reason, doctors will start with a physical exam and then run additional nerve ending tests to gather more information. Our EMG Testing on Long Island is a common route to take when diagnosing peripheral neuropathy. This and other additional tests (blood test, MRI, etc.) will analyze the nerve endings and look for vitamin deficiency. From there, if the patient has peripheral neuropathy, doctors can treat it using the following:
- Vitamins and a healthier diet – If the neuropathy was caused by too much alcohol, reducing alcohol intake and eating healthier can correct the vitamin deficiency that caused the condition.
- Staying Active- Staying active has a ton of benefits besides just losing weight. It can improve your blood circulation, lower your blood sugar and help alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
- Meditation- Meditation makes you feel more relaxed. By being less stressed, the pain will feel more manageable.
EMG Testing on Long Island
If you believe you are suffering from symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, get the confirmation you need by learning more about our EMG Testing on Long Island. At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, we take pride in giving our patients the highest quality care possible. Our goal is to help our patients live life without pain and uncertainty. Call us today to book your appointment and begin your journey to a life of comfort.
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