Neuropathy - Nerve-Related Disorders

The most common nerve-related disorders are classified under the heading of peripheral neuropathy, a general term referring to disorders affecting peripheral nerves.

The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord (i.e., outside the central nervous system).

Peripheral neuropathy is a very common disease as 15-20 million Americans are afflicted. Caused by the damage or deterioration of peripheral nerves, this disease disrupts the body’s ability to communicate with muscles, organs and tissues. Sufferers commonly experience unusual or unpleasant irritation including tingling, burning, itchiness, crawling sensation, dizziness, clumsiness and the like.

If ignored, neuropathy can lead to a broad range of advanced symptoms ranging from numbness to severe pain. However, while there is no cure, it can be controlled if diagnosed and treated early.

Peripheral neuropathies can be classified into three main categories:

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Causes include physical trauma to a nerve, tumors, toxins, auto-immune responses, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, and vascular and metabolic disorders.

Treatment Options
The goals of treatment are to manage the underlying condition, repair damage, and provide symptom relief.

Common conditions and related treatments include:

Diabetes. With diabetes, the key to health lies in keeping the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible which also helps protect nerves, though symptoms may briefly worsen before they improve.
Vitamin deficiency. When caused by vitamin deficiency, symptoms will likely improve once the deficiency is corrected. Daily vitamin B-12 injections may be indicated for a few days, then once a month. A healthy diet is also key.
Auto-immune disorder. If neuropathy is caused by an inflammatory or auto-immune process, treatment will be aimed at controlling the immune response.

Treating the pain associated with neuropathy can be paramount to living with the disease. Common treatments for pain include over-the-counter and presciption pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and analgesics.

For severe pain that does not respond to traditional treatments, injections may be used to deliver pain medication directly to the afflicted nerve. Options include:

By injecting pain medication directly to one or more nerves, the ability to deliver pain messages to the brain is inhibited, providing pain relief in a short period of time that can last weeks or even months.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are skilled at diagnosing the need for and delivering soothing pain medication to treat nerve-related disorders.

If you or a loved one is suffering the ill effects of chronic pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
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Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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Foot & Ankle Care

847.296.3040