Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that develops when you have peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral nerves are sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves that extend from your central nervous system and travel through your body. Your peripheral nerves enable you to move and interpret sensations. Your peripheral nerves also control some involuntary body functions like digestion and respiration.

Neuropathy causes a range of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of your peripheral nerve damage. For example, some of the common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Numbness and tingling in your extremities
• Pain or burning sensations
• Lost coordination and balance
• Inability to grip or hold objects
• Reduced reflexes
• Feeling like you’re wearing gloves or socks when you aren’t

You might also develop symptoms like muscle spasm or cramping, problems walking, or paralysis. If your autonomic nerves are affected, your blood pressure may change, or you could develop abnormal sweating, bowel movements, or sexual dysfunction.

What causes neuropathy?

Any injury or disease that compresses or interferes with your nerves can cause neuropathy. For example, neuropathy is a common secondary condition of diabetes. You could also develop neuropathy from infections and autoimmune disorders, physical trauma, vascular health problems, and vitamin imbalances. Alcoholism and exposure to certain chemicals and medications can also cause neuropathy.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Dr. Elkayam diagnoses neuropathy with comprehensive exams, including electromyograms (EMGs) and needle nerve conduction tests. He also orders blood work and completes a thorough neurological exam to evaluate the extent of your nerve damage. Dr. Elkayam might also request a biopsy or MRI for further details about your neuropathy and the condition causing it.

How is neuropathy treated?

Dr. Elkayam provides personalized treatment plans for neuropathy. He takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining treatments to address your symptoms a well as the underlying cause of your nerve damage. 

For example, if you have diabetes, Dr. Elkayam offers advice on managing your disease or a referral to an endocrinologist to help you control your diabetes. At the same time, he might recommend physical therapy to help you improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling or other injuries. Dr. Elkayam can also recommend dietary changes and nutritional supplements to support nerve health. 

If you have severe nerve pain, Dr. Elkayam might suggest nerve blocks or nerve ablation treatments to disrupt the pain signals and alleviate your symptoms. 

Call Ezra Elkayam MD Neurology to make an appointment today for customized neurological care to address neuropathy.