Neuropathy is a common condition that affects up to 30% of adults in the United States. Though the cause and symptoms vary, neuropathy may significantly affect your quality of life. At Irfan Lalani, MD, PA, in Sugar Land, Texas, the board-certified neurologist and pain management physician specializes in diagnosing and treating neuropathy. Dr. Lalani works closely with you to develop a plan that helps you get relief from your neuropathy symptoms. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is peripheral nerve damage or dysfunction. Your peripheral nerves carry messages to and from your brain from all areas of your body.
Damage to these nerves may cause various symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, pain, or muscle weakness. With neuropathy, you might have mononeuropathy (damage to one nerve) or polyneuropathy (damage to multiple nerves).
You may develop neuropathy from an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, or an injury that damages the nerve.
There are many types of neuropathy; the most common include:
Entrapment neuropathy causes pain, numbness, or tingling from compression or pressure on a nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome are types of entrapment neuropathy.
Length-dependent peripheral neuropathy means the damage or dysfunction began with the longest nerves in the body. With this type of neuropathy, your symptoms typically start in your feet.
With small fiber neuropathy, the damage affects the narrow peripheral nerves. Your small or narrow nerves are the sensory nerves in the skin.
CIPD is inflammation of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots, damaging the myelin sheath that protects your nerves and helps with nerve signaling.
Dr. Lalani is a skilled neurologist and conducts in-depth clinical exams to diagnose neuropathy. During your visit, he listens intently to your story and concerns, reviews your medical history, and performs a physical and neurological exam.
In most cases, he diagnoses the type of neuropathy you have after a history and physical. However, he may also request nerve conduction studies, such as an electromyogram to find and assess the severity of the damaged nerve.
Dr. Lalani customizes your neuropathy treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your pain condition, the type of nerve damage you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal preferences.
Treatment for your neuropathy may include:
For conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Lalani may recommend surgery to treat the nerve compression and alleviate symptoms.
For expert care of your neuropathy from an experienced neurologist and pain medicine physician, call the office of Irfan Lalani, MD, PA, or schedule an appointment online today.