Neuropathy Specialist
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Tidewater Neurology
Neurology Specialists located in West Ashley, Charleston, SC, Mt. Pleasant, SC & Goose Creek, SC
Though you may have a wide range of neuropathy symptoms, two of the most common are pain and tingling sensations. At the first sign of a possible nerve problem, it's time to consult with the exceptional team at Tidewater Neurology. As experts in nerve conditions, they find the source of your pain and start treatments that ease your symptoms and promote healing. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, or the West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina, or use the online booking feature today.
Neuropathy Q & A
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy generally refers to any type of nerve damage or disease. Since there are many possible nerve conditions, they're placed into broader categories based on the number of nerves and type of affected nerves.
Of the different categories of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy is the most common. Peripheral neuropathy refers to problems in any of the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.
You can develop peripheral neuropathy from many underlying health conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Peripheral artery disease
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Autoimmune diseases
Diabetes causes more cases of peripheral neuropathy than any other condition.
What symptoms occur due to neuropathy?
The symptoms you experience depend on the type of nerve damage. Some types of neuropathy may affect one type of nerve; others damage several nerves and cause more symptoms.
Sensory nerves
Sensory nerves pick up signals throughout your body involving your senses, such as pain, pressure, and temperature. Then the nerves transmit that information to your brain. When you have damaged sensory nerves, you develop symptoms like pain, tingling, burning, and numbness.
Motor nerves
These nerves carry information from your brain to your muscles. As a result, damaged motor nerves lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramping, and muscle loss (atrophy).
Autonomic nerves
Your autonomic nerves control functions that support your ability to live and stay healthy, such as your heart rate, digestion, breathing, and blood pressure.
Damage to autonomic nerves causes symptoms associated with the affected body system. For example, you may experience changes in body temperature, excessive sweating, nausea, and a fast heartbeat.
How is neuropathy treated?
Your Tidewater Neurology provider determines if a health condition contributes to your neuropathy. If so, your treatment begins by treating that condition. In many cases, taking care of the underlying problem allows the nerves to heal, and your neuropathy improves.
Your provider also creates a plan to treat your symptoms and relieve your pain. The specific type of treatment you may need depends on your diagnosis. However, common types of treatments used for neuropathy symptoms include medications, physical therapy, local nerve blocks, and minimally invasive surgery.
Many neuropathies also improve by following a healthy diet and getting more exercise. This approach is essential in people with diabetes who need to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.
If you develop pain, tingling, or other signs of neuropathy, call Tidewater Neurology or book an appointment online today.