Conditions - Nerve
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy involves damage or lack of appropriate function in nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord. Often called peripheral neuropathy, this condition impacts the peripheral nerves. Because peripheral nerves are needed to send sensory data to the nervous system, their damage means that these signals are not coming through correctly. This can result in pain, numbness and weakness.
Causes and Symptoms of Neuropathy
One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. Other causes of neuropathy include:
- Injury
- Being exposed to toxins
- Infections
Because neuropathy can impact a wide range of nerves, symptoms of neuropathy also vary greatly. Symptoms can include:
- Pain, which may feel like throbbing, burning or stabbing
- Sensitivity to touch
- Numbness or tingling (pins and needles)
- Feeling weak or clumsy
- Excessive sweating
- Digestive problems
- Dizziness or balance problems
Once someone is diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, the treatment plan will generally be directly related to the apparent cause. Diagnosis can be difficult and require blood tests, imaging, nerve function tests, biopsies and more.
Common Options for Neuropathy Pain Treatment in Richmond
Depending on the cause of neuropathy, many patients are prescribed medications in order to mask their symptoms. However, these medications do not truly fix the problem. They simply cover it up, and they come with their own set of side effects and additional concerns. Medications might include antidepressants, pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and topical treatments.
Another common option for neuropathy pain treatment is surgery. Depending on the cause of neuropathy, surgery may be able to alleviate pressure from the impacted nerve and thus get rid of symptoms. However, many people are not willing to undergo the risk and recovery time associated with surgery. At the same time, they grow tired of the side effects and added risks of taking medication for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, there are other options available for neuropathy pain treatment in Richmond.
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