What Is Peripheral Neuropathy? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Peripheral neuropathy, treated expertly at San Antonio Pain Consultants, involves damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and body. This condition can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, especially in the hands and feet.

Common Causes We Address:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages nerves by restricting blood supply, causing inflammation and degeneration. We collaborate with endocrinologists to manage diabetes and relieve symptoms.
• Nerve Trauma: Injuries from accidents, repetitive stress, or surgery can compress or damage nerves. We use diagnostic tools and treatments like nerve blocks and minimally invasive procedures for pain relief.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cause inflammation that attacks nerves. Our team works with specialists to reduce inflammation and prevent nerve damage.
• Toxins and Medications: Exposure to heavy metals, chemotherapy drugs, alcohol, and infections can harm nerves. We evaluate patient history to identify and manage these factors.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins B12, E, and folate impacts nerve health. We provide testing and recommend supplements and dietary changes.

Our Approach:

• Early diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation
• Personalized treatment plans targeting the underlying cause
• Advanced pain management and therapeutic interventions
• Multidisciplinary coordination to optimize care

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms often start gradually but can worsen without treatment. At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we focus on relieving symptoms, preventing progression, and improving quality of life.

Peripheral neuropathy treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, addressing underlying causes, and improving nerve function to enhance quality of life. Treatment plans are personalized based on your condition’s severity and root cause.

Key Aspects of Treatment:

• Accurate Diagnosis:
A comprehensive evaluation to identify causes such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, nutritional deficiencies, or nerve injury.

• Managing Underlying Conditions:
Controlling blood sugar in diabetes, correcting vitamin deficiencies, treating infections, or managing autoimmune disorders to prevent further nerve damage.

• Symptom Relief:
Use of medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical creams to reduce pain, tingling, and numbness.

• Physical Therapy:
Exercises designed to improve muscle strength, coordination, balance, and mobility, reducing the risk of falls.

• Interventional Procedures:
For severe or persistent pain, options include nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive therapies.

• Lifestyle Changes:
Incorporating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol can help support nerve health.

• Ongoing Care:
Regular follow-ups to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and maintain symptom control.

What You Can Expect:

Treatment effectiveness varies; some patients experience significant symptom improvement, while others focus on long-term management to maintain comfort and function. Early intervention and a comprehensive approach offer the best outcomes.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, seek expert care to develop a personalized treatment plan that improves your quality of life.

At San Antonio Pain Management, Dr. Darius Zagunis, MD, offers personalized, comprehensive care to diagnose and manage peripheral neuropathy effectively.

Our Diagnostic Process Includes:

• Thorough Medical Assessment:
Review of your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, medication use, family history, and potential toxin exposure.

• Detailed Physical and Neurological Exam:
Evaluation of muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, balance, and sensory responses (touch, vibration, temperature, pain). Inspection for visible signs of nerve damage or circulation problems.

• Advanced Diagnostic Testing:
• Blood tests to detect diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, infections, and metabolic problems.
• Imaging (MRI, CT) to identify structural causes like tumors or herniated discs compressing nerves.
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) are used to assess nerve signal transmission and muscle function.
• Nerve or skin biopsies in select cases to confirm nerve fiber damage microscopically.

By combining expert clinical evaluation with advanced diagnostics, we accurately identify peripheral neuropathy and its causes. Our team then crafts personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing signs of peripheral neuropathy, trust San Antonio Pain Management for expert diagnosis and care.

Peripheral neuropathy results from nerve damage, often starting with symptoms in the hands and feet. Seeking medical treatment early can prevent worsening and improve your quality of life.

Signs You Need Medical Care:
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations that persist
• Sharp or shooting pain affecting daily life or sleep
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
• Difficulty walking or frequent balance problems
• Increased sensitivity to light touch or decreased sensation
• Autonomic issues like dizziness, abnormal sweating, or bladder problems

Why Early Treatment Is Important:
• Identifies root causes like diabetes, infections, or vitamin deficiencies
• Prevents nerve damage progression
• Helps manage pain and symptoms effectively
• Improves mobility and daily functioning

What Treatment Involves:
• Thorough diagnosis with exams and tests
• Medications to reduce nerve pain
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance
• Lifestyle advice on diet, exercise, and habits
• Advanced interventions, such as nerve blocks or electrical stimulation, if needed

If you experience these symptoms, consult Dr. Darius Zagunis, MD,  experienced in peripheral neuropathy. Early care offers the best chance for symptom relief and improved nerve health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.