The peripheral nerves are the complex network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is the medical term for a range of conditions affecting those nerves.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
The peripheral nerves are the complex network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is the medical term for a range of conditions affecting those nerves. Nerve pain and other symptoms can be the result of an illness, accident, trauma, infection, or toxic exposure. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy with varying symptoms. The first step in treating peripheral neuropathy is an accurate diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve pain?
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary from patient to patient. The condition may affect mobility, with muscle weakness or paralysis, muscle atrophy, cramps, or uncontrolled physical motions. Peripheral neuropathy can also have sensory symptoms, causing tingling, numbness, lack of balance, or pain. It can also come with symptoms that affect blood pressure, cause profuse sweating or inability to sweat, trouble with the bowels or bladder, or sexual problems.
What causes peripheral neuropathy?
The peripheral nervous system can be damaged due to Type 2 diabetes, leading to loss of sensation in the feet and lower areas of the legs. Some cases are due to excessive use of alcohol or vitamin deficiencies or are a symptom of another condition, such as lupus, arthritis, vasculitis, or Guillain-Barre syndrome, among others. Infections, trauma, surgery, and reactions to medications or chemicals can also lead to peripheral neuropathy or be inherited through the family line and certain diseases. One of the frightening aspects of severe nerve pain or dysfunction is that it can occur for unknown reasons.
How is peripheral nerve pain treated?
Depending on the condition of the patient, several treatment protocols can be implemented, including medication, surgery, physical therapy, and others. Every patient is unique, and when under the care of the nerve pain specialists at The Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care, the condition will be diagnosed, and a treatment plan developed.
What areas of the body most commonly have nerve pain?
Nerve pain due to damage, inflammation, injury, compression, or illness can affect the head and neck, shoulders, torso, arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, legs and knees, or ankles. There is no area of the human body that is exempt from the risk of nerve pain.
Why choose The Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care in Denver?
Our nerve pain treatment center is equipped with the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic technology. We deliver surgical and non-surgical solutions for nerve pain or dysfunction. When surgery is the most effective approach, our goal is for our patients to experience relief through thoughtful and meticulously performed surgery. We are down-to-earth, and our practice was built on integrity, compassion, and a focus on ensuring the best outcome in every case.
What is the best treatment for migraines?
Migraines affect millions of people, many of whom live in the Denver area. Most migraine sufferers have tried various treatments with limited success. Not all medical practitioners are nerve pain specialists. When under the care of our medical team at The Atlas, the approach will be to identify where the migraines originate and address each trigger point. Imagine living life with the occurrence of migraines significantly reduced or completely gone – for a migraine sufferer, it feels like a miracle!
What are the tests for nerve pain?
The diagnosis of nerve pain will require various types of tests to be performed, including blood tests, spinal fluid tests, muscle strength tests, CT scans, MRI, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, or nerve or skin biopsies. The actual cause of the condition must be identified to result in a treatment plan that offers real relief.
