Neuropathy
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, refers to damage or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. It results in pain, weakness, and numbness — usually in the hands and feet. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment can relieve symptoms and halt progression.
What is Neuropathy?
Peripheral nerves carry motor, sensory, and autonomic signals. When these nerves are damaged, communication between the brain and body is disrupted, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the type of nerve affected. Neuropathy may involve a single nerve (mononeuropathy) or multiple nerves (polyneuropathy).
Common Symptoms
- Numbness or reduced sensation in feet and hands
- Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
- Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
- Muscle weakness in extremities
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
- Autonomic symptoms: sweating, bowel/bladder dysfunction, dizziness on standing
- Foot ulcers (in advanced diabetic neuropathy)
Common Causes
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetic neuropathy)
- Vitamin deficiencies (B12, B1, B6)
- Autoimmune conditions (Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP)
- Kidney or liver disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Alcohol use disorder
- Infections (HIV, Lyme disease, leprosy)
- Genetic disorders (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
- Medications (chemotherapy-induced neuropathy)
Diagnosis
- Detailed neurological examination
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and EMG
- Blood tests (glucose, B12, thyroid, autoimmune panel)
- Nerve biopsy (when indicated)
- Skin punch biopsy for small-fiber neuropathy
- Genetic testing for hereditary neuropathies
Treatment Options
- Treating the underlying cause (diabetes control, B12 supplementation)
- Neuropathic pain medications (pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine)
- IVIG or plasmapheresis for autoimmune neuropathies
- Immunosuppressive therapy (CIDP, vasculitic neuropathy)
- Physiotherapy and balance training
- Foot care and diabetic neuropathy management
- Nutritional supplementation
When Should You See a Neurologist?
- Persistent numbness or tingling in feet or hands
- Burning pain that worsens at night
- Progressive weakness in limbs
- Loss of balance or frequent falls
- Known diabetes with new sensory symptoms
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Consultant Neurologist
- Advanced Nerve Conduction & EMG Evaluation
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Evidence-Based Neurological Care
- Compassionate Patient-Centered Approach
- Comprehensive Follow-Up Care