PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN Charleston SC

Are you struggling with neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy in Charleston SC? Neuropathy is defined as a group of disorders that begins due to damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is a part of the nervous system excluding the brain and spinal cord. This means that this is the collection of nerves that connects your limbs and organs to the central nervous system. This condition is also known as peripheral neuropathy and generally occurs because damage to the nerve axons has occurred. The nerve axon is what conducts the electrical impulses to different places. For example, if damage occurs within the axon of a sensory neuron, then a person's sense of touch and warmth will be impaired. Generally, neuropathy creates pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities (hands and feet). There are several different causes of this condition, including:

• The most common: diabetes
• Traumatic injury
• Infection
• Metabolic Disorders
• Toxins

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Causes of Neuropathy

There is not a single underlying cause for neuropathy. In fact, there may be no known cause that is referred to as idiopathic and makes up nearly 40% of all neuropathies. Also, nearly 35% of the remaining Americans suffering from neuropathy have diabetes. In fact, almost 70% of Americans with diabetes have developed a form of neuropathy due to the disease. The remaining percent of neuropathies is composed of a group called acquired neuropathies. This group consists of causes such as:

• Alcoholism
• Poor nutrition and nutritional deficiencies
• Trauma
• Pressure on nerves
• Repetitive movements for extended periods of time
• Various autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus
• Toxins
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Various medications
• Certain cancer treatments
• Hereditary neuropathies (from inherited disorders)
• Tumors
• Other diseases, including but not limited to:
• HIV/AIDS
• Lyme disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism

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Who can Develop Neuropathy?

Neuropathy can affect all people of all ages in Charleston SC. There are several risk factors ranging from lifestyle choices, behaviors and conditions. As previously stated, those who have poor nutrition are likely to develop Type II Diabetes which will cause neuropathy. If a person suffers from an autoimmune disease, they have a predisposition for the development of various types of neuropathy. If a person has a compromised immune system (organ transplant recipient, HIV/AIDS patients, or due to medication), they are at an increased risk for developing a type of neuropathy. If a person suffers from alcoholism or has a vitamin deficiency, they are likely to develop a form of neuropathy. Also, if a person has kidney disease, liver disease or a thyroid disorder they are more susceptible to developing neuropathy.

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Diagnosis of Neuropathy

This condition is generally not a simple diagnosis to make. It is difficult because it is not often that it is a disease present alone but rather a symptom of an underlying disease. There is a process that occurs before the diagnosis is made. The process may consist of:

• Full medical history
• Physical exam
• Neurological exam
• Tendon reflexes
• Muscular strength
• Muscular tone
• Sensory tests
• Postural analysis
• Coordination analysis
• Blood tests (check vitamin B-12)
• Urinalysis
• Thyroid function tests
• Nerve conduction test

In some cases a nerve biopsy may be requested by a physician.

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Degenerative Path VS. Regenerative Path

Most people are given drugs, such as Gabapentin which has only been FDA-cleared to treat seizures. Drugs can be effective at reducing pain short term. However, they do not stop or slow the progression of neuropathy. There are no drugs that have been found to be effective in slowing or reversing the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy. They can only be used to make a patient more comfortable while the nerves and tissue continue to deteriorate. We refer to this path as the degenerative path.

There IS a regenerative path. This path involves helping the body do what it was designed to do: restore microvascularization and heal sensory nerves. The success of our regenerative program at the Neuropathy and Spine Center of South Carolina is excellent. The treatments are painless and non-invasive and much of it is done at home.

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As always remember that if you have questions you can call the team at Neuropathy and Spine Center of South Carolina in Charleston SC for help.