Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, develops when your peripheral nervous system sustains damage.

Your nervous system has two parts. Your central nervous system contains your spinal cord, nerves, and brain protected by your spinal column, vertebral canal, and skull. The rest of the nerves throughout your body make up your peripheral nervous system. They form an elaborate network that handles all of the communication between your central nervous system and your body.

If you end up with damage to your peripheral nervous system, you can develop a wide range of physical symptoms, like pain, numbness, and weakness. Though you can experience these issues anywhere in your body, they typically occur in your hands or feet.

There are over 100 different forms of neuropathy, and they increase your risk of serious health complications, like foot ulcers, infections, and gangrene.

What causes neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy develops for several reasons, but the most common cause is diabetes. Additional issues that can lead to nerve damage include:

• Alcoholism
• Nutritional, vitamin, or hormonal imbalances
• Injury or infections
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Vascular blood problems
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic liver disease
• Taking certain medications

Certain cancers and their treatments, like chemotherapy, can also lead to peripheral neuropathy.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

There are several different types of peripheral neuropathy, and each form has its own symptoms, depending on which nerves they damage. Even though the symptoms of neuropathy can vary, they usually include:

• Diminished sensitivity to temperature
• Tingling or numbness
• Hypersensitivity
• Reduced coordination

It’s also common to experience shooting pain, burning, stabbing, or the sensation of “pins and needles” when you have neuropathy. In many cases, neuropathy symptoms grow worse at night.

How do you treat neuropathy?

Dr. Khoury performs a comprehensive physical exam to look for the cause of your peripheral neuropathy, so he can treat any reversible conditions immediately. After reaching a diagnosis, Dr. Khoury recommends a treatment strategy based on your individual needs.

Common treatments for peripheral neuropathy include:

• Topical creams
• Supplements that support nerve health
• Medications specific to treat nerve pain
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Physical therapy to prevent deconditioning
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Dorsal root ganglion stimulation

Dr. Khoury is one of few physicians in the Woodlands area that is certified to perform spinal cord stimulation at the dorsal root ganglion. To learn more about neuropathy treatments, call Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.