Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a nerve condition that causes varied symptoms, making it hard to get an accurate diagnosis. At Riverhills Neuroscience, with three Cincinnati, Ohio, area offices in Norwood, Westside, and Anderson, as well as an office in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, the neurology specialists diagnose and treat all types of neuropathy, offering advanced and evidence-based care. Call the office near you today or request information online to learn more about help for your neuropathy at the multidisciplinary practice.

What does neuropathy mean?

Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is a general medical term that means you have damaged or dysfunctional peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nerves are the nerves outside your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and include:

Sensory nerves

Sensory nerves deliver information from the outside world (temperature, smell, pain) to your brain.

Motor nerves

Motor nerves control muscle movement. 

Autonomic nerves

Autonomic nerves manage all your unconscious body functions, like blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. 

Neuropathy may affect any type of peripheral nerve, causing a wide range of symptoms, making it hard to get an accurate diagnosis.

My toes feel tingly. Do I have neuropathy?

Sensory changes in the feet are a common symptom of neuropathy, especially in people with diabetes. The nerves in your feet are small and more susceptible to damage. You should schedule an evaluation if you have ongoing tingling sensations or numbness in your feet. 

Because neuropathy may affect any type of nerve, symptoms vary greatly. Other signs and symptoms of neuropathy include:

• High or low tolerance to pain 
• Burning sensation
• Muscle cramps or twitching
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Excessive sweating
• Gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea)

The cause of your neuropathy may also play a role in the type of symptoms you have. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand from compression of the median nerve. 

What tests do I need to diagnose neuropathy?

There’s no single test to diagnose neuropathy. Your provider at Riverhills Neuroscience conducts a thorough evaluation when you come to the office with concerns about neuropathy to determine nerve type and cause.

Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, and how they’ve changed over time. They review your medical history and perform a physical exam.

Riverhills Neuroscience also offers onsite nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and MRI scanning at the Norwood location. 

What can I do to manage neuropathy?

Treatment for neuropathy varies and depends on the type of nerve damage you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your medical history. Initial treatment focuses on the cause of your neuropathy to prevent further damage.

Your neurologists at Riverhills Neuroscience may also prescribe medication and physical therapy to manage symptoms. In some cases, like carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is recommended. 

For comprehensive neuropathy care, call Riverhills Neuroscience today or request more information through the online contact form.