Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Need To Know !

What is Peripheral Neuropathy & its symptoms?

Peripheral Neuropathy is a disorder of peripheral nerves in which patient feels abnormal sensation in hands & feet (glove & stocking pattern):

• Tingling and numbness.
• Pins & needle sensation.
• Burning pain like sensation.
• Ants crawling like sensation.
• Decrease hot/cold sensation.

Symptoms usually starts in bilateral feet then progress up-to ankle, later involves bilateral hands.

What are the common causes of peripheral Neuropathy?

• Diabetes Mellitus.
• Alcohol Intake.
• Nutritional (Vit B-12 Deficiency).
• Drugs/ Toxins.
• Hereditary.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

When do we need to consult Neurologist?

• If the sensory symptoms are interfering with daily routine activities.
• Decrease in movements of hands & feet like difficulty while buttoning-unbuttoning the shirt, opening cap of jar/bottle, Difficulty in holding or slipping of footwear.
• Difficulty in walking/ imbalance/ataxia.
• Thinning of muscles of foot & hand.
• Toe/ foot and hand deformities.

Which investigations are required to detect peripheral Neuropathy?

Certain blood tests like:

• Complete Blood Count(CBC).
• Fasting blood sugars(FBS).
• Random Blood sugars(RBS).
• HBA1c.
• Thyroid profile.
• Vit B12 Levels.
• Nerve Conduction Studies.

What is the treatment of peripheral Neuropathy?

• Control of Diabetes Mellitus/ blood sugar.
• Correction of Vit B12 Deficiency/ healthy diet.
• Quit Alcohol.
• Certain Medicines which help in improving nerve functions and decrease symptoms.

Dr Gourav Jain, MD, DM Neurology (PGI Chandigarh)
Consultant, Neurologist