Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a complex condition that can affect any nerve outside your brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of symptoms ranging from numbness and pain to changes in blood pressure and digestion. Haddis T. Hagos, MD, DABA, DABA-PM, Brent Earls, MD, and the team at Pain Management Associates LLC in Greenbelt, Maryland, specialize in diagnosing and treating neuropathy. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, occurs from damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system serves as a communication pathway between your body and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Damage or dysfunction of a peripheral nerve disrupts this communication. Three types of nerves make up the peripheral nervous system:

Sensory nerves

Sensory nerves transmit sensory messages to your brain, like touch, pain, and temperature. 

Motor nerves

Motor nerves control muscle movement, helping you walk, talk, and write.

Autonomic nerves

The autonomic nerves regulate organs you have no conscious control over, like your digestive system, lungs, and circulatory system.  

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms vary and depend on the type of nerve affected. Some of the symptoms you may have with neuropathy include:

• Uncomfortable pain sensations
• Numbness or tingling
• Stabbing or burning sensations
• Sensitivity to temperature changes
• Loss or decline in muscle movement
• Changes in coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Change in blood pressure
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Sweating more or less than normal

Because neuropathy causes such a wide range of symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis is difficult. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect nerve damage, schedule a consultation at Pain Management Associates LLC.

What happens during a neuropathy evaluation?

The team at Pain Management Associates LLC conducts a thorough exam when you come in with concerns about neuropathy. They aim to find the root cause of your symptoms and how it affects your daily life, so they can create an effective and comprehensive treatment plan.

Your pain management physician reviews your medical history and symptoms. They also ask about your daily routine and how your symptoms affect your ability to function. They perform a physical exam and may request nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function.

What are the treatments for neuropathy?

Pain Management Associates LLC creates individualized plans for neuropathy that focus on the cause and provide therapies that ease pain. Your treatment plan may include:

• Medication management
• Physical therapy
• Braces, casts, or splints
• Nerve blocks
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit
• Spinal cord stimulation 

Pain Management Associates LLC works closely with you when designing your neuropathy treatment plan, making adjustments to reduce your pain as much as possible.

For comprehensive neuropathy care, call Pain Management Associates LLC or schedule an appointment online today.