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  • Neuropathy
    Neuropathy (also known as Peripheral neuropathy) is a condition wherein the nerves of the body are damaged (from injury or disease) and thus fail to function normally. This affects the communication between the nerves and the brain. It is a fairly common condition and can affect people of all ages. It is however, more common in men and the elderly, and those with a family history of inherited neuropathy.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 16 November 2019

A clinical examination is essential to the diagnosis of neuropathy. This will include a thorough medical history (social habits, alcohol/tobacco use, risk of infections, family history etc.), physical exam, and a neurological exam to test the reflexes of the motor and sensory nerves.

If suspected of any specific diseases, a blood test may be ordered for diabetes, vitamin deficiency, liver and kidney function etc. In addition, scans such as CT or MRI may be done to investigate the cause of damage to the nerves.

Other nerve functions testing will include an Electromyography (EMG) and a Nerve conduction velocity test (NCV). In certain patients, aninvasive test such as nerve or skin biopsy may be performed if the neuropathy is of unknown etiology.

Genetic tests (for specific genes) are available for people who are suspected to have inherited neuropathies based on family history.

Condition

Stories

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  • Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy - Symptoms and Management
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    Coping With Peripheral Neuropathy
    A 74 year old man Swamy* shares his experience of suddenly developing Peripheral Neuropathy, how it has affected his day to day living and the lifestyle changes he has established to help cope better.   I was diagnosed last year in March 2019. I was at my Chennai home when unexpectedly, I could not walk and my eyes also gave away. I could feel my toes getting numb. I sat down and decided to see a doctor. The next day, I went to Apollo hospital to meet with Dr Ganesh, who is a…
  • Neuropathy Treatment
    A multifocal approach is required to address the symptoms and treat the cause while providing relief to the patient. Underlying Cause: This entails detecting and treating the original cause of the neuropathy, as that can then lead to recovery by first healing the damaged nerves and regrowth of destroyed nerves. For instance if it is a complication of diabetes, regulating the blood sugar levels, losing weight and exercising morewill be the aim of treatment. For vitamin deficiency, start on B12…
  • Management of Neuropathy
    Neuropathy can have a major impact on one’s quality of life, hence incorporating daily management techniques along with treatment can be very helpful. These can be: Dietary changes to include healthy well-balanced meals rich with nutrients and vitamins to fulfill any deficiencies. Quitting alcohol and tobacco use can have immense benefits for the heart, kidney and liver. Loss of excessive body weight is known to greatly improve mobility and health. Daily exercise to strengthen weak muscles is…
  • Neuropathy Tests and Diagnosis
    A clinical examination is essential to the diagnosis of neuropathy. This will include a thorough medical history (social habits, alcohol/tobacco use, risk of infections, family history etc.), physical exam, and a neurological exam to test the reflexes of the motor and sensory nerves. If suspected of any specific diseases, a blood test may be ordered for diabetes, vitamin deficiency, liver and kidney function etc. In addition, scans such as CT or MRI may be done to investigate the cause of…
  • Prevention of Neuropathy
    Lifestyle changes can prevent risk factors that are likely to induce neuropathy; these include smoking and alcohol cessation, avoiding exposure to toxins, losing weight, eating healthy and correct vitamin deficiencies. If you have a known chronic kidney, systemic or autoimmune disease, make sure to keep it under check. For diabetics, tight control of blood sugar level and daily foot care can be very advantageous. Early recognition and treatment of neuropathy can slow down progression and even…
  • Types of Neuropathy
    Types and Complications of Neuropathy There are numerous types of neuropathies identified, based on the types of nerves damaged. There are 3 types of nerve fibers that can be affected and most doctors will use these terms to describe the diagnosis: Motor: these are nerves that control muscle movement e.g. walking, talking, holding etc. Sensory: these are nerves that transmit sensations e.g. pain, touch, temperature etc. Autonomic: these are nerves responsible for regulating unconscious…
  • Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy
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