Peripheral Neuropathy
The peripheral nervous system connects the nerves from the brain and spinal cord (known as the central nervous system) to the rest of the body, including the arms, hands, feet, legs, internal organs, mouth and face. The job of these nerves is to deliver signals about physical sensations back to your brain.
Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when these nerves malfunction because they are damaged or destroyed. This disrupts the nerves’ normal functioning. They might send signals of pain when there is nothing causing pain, or they might not send a pain signal even if something is harming you.
Peripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired. Causes of acquired peripheral neuropathy include physical injury (trauma) to a nerve, diabetes, tumors, toxins, autoimmune responses, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism and vascular and metabolic disorders.
People should seek medical care right away if they notice any unusual tingling, weakness or pain in the hands or feet. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling symptoms and preventing further damage to the peripheral nerves.
Surgical intervention can often provide immediate relief from mono-neuropathies caused by compression or entrapment injuries. Repair of a slipped disc can reduce pressure on nerves where they emerge from the spinal cord; the removal of benign or malignant tumors can also alleviate damaging pressure on nerves. Nerve entrapment often can be corrected by the surgical release of ligaments or tendons.
Peripheral Neuropathy Pain Treatment in Asheville & Western North Carolina
The doctors at Comprehensive Pain Consultants can evaluate you for specific treatments. Get in touch with us today!