Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy in LA
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves outside of the spinal cord and brain are damaged. It can affect other areas of the body and results in numbness, pain, and weakness.
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information from the central nervous system and the brain to the rest of the body. The peripheral nerves also transmit sensory information to your central nervous system.
The condition stems from infections, inherited causes, exposure to toxins, traumatic injuries, and metabolic problems. Patients describe the pain as tingling, stabbing, or burning. Medications are needed to help reduce the pain.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Peripheral neuropathy affects around 20 million people in the U.S.
Symptoms for peripheral neuropathy depend on the type of nerve affected and generally include muscle weakness, pain sensations, numbness, paralysis, falling, lack of coordination, and sensitivity to touch. Signs and symptoms are different if the autonomic nerves are affected and include bladder, bowel, or digestive problems, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and dizziness.
Because peripheral neuropathy is characterized by nerve damage, it doesn’t have a single cause and can develop due to numerous health conditions. These include diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, bone marrow disorders, inherited disorders, liver and kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.
Other causes are alcoholism, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, exposure to poisons, and trauma.
Methods for treating peripheral neuropathy symptoms begin with medications including pain relievers, topical treatments, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medication. The doctor might also recommend various therapies like physical therapy, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and surgery..
Alternative medicine or complementary treatments that lack solid research but are popular with neurologists include acupuncture as well as the use of amino acids, herbs, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Dr. Farzin Pedouim is a board certified neurologist based in Huntington Beach and Los Angeles. He utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to help patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy overcome its symptoms and find relief from pain.