04 May National Neuropathy Awareness Week
This week (May 4-10) is National Neuropathy Awareness Week! This is a week dedicated to spreading awareness of the detrimental condition known as neuropathy, which is a complication that leads to damage or disability in the victims’ nerves. Patients who suffer from this disease, which is also occasionally referred to as peripheral neuropathy, may experience numbness, muscle weakness, or pain in various areas of the body. Sadly, several Americans suffer from neuropathy every year. For treatment, seek a neurologist near Stony Brook, such as our lead physician, Dr. James Bruno.
Who Is At Risk For Peripheral Neuropathy?
The majority of neuropathy cases go undiagnosed, making a proper diagnosis essential for early intervention. Understanding the symptoms and causes can go a long way in inevitably leading to enhanced and effective treatment. Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to peripheral nerves, and thus, there are a variety of causes. Typically, neuropathy could occur and develop in patients as a result of any of the following:
- Injuries.
- Infections.
- Metabolic issues.
- Diabetes (most common cause).
- Alcoholism.
- Certain cancers.
The symptoms that our neurologist near Stony Brook, Dr. James Bruno, would most commonly associate with peripheral neuropathy may include any of the following:
- Pain (stabbing pain).
- Burning or tingling sensations.
- Weakness or numbness in the affected areas (usually the hands and feet).
Can Neuropathy Be Treated?
There is no clear and concise treatment available for peripheral neuropathy. However, if there is an underlying cause that can be treated, this may help to alleviate symptoms. For others, some measures can be taken to help reduce the symptoms producing pain and hopefully get you back to comfortable living. Some preventative measures may include any of the following strategies:
- Healthy lifestyle: Most peripheral neuropathy cases result from diabetes or health-related complications. Eating right and consistently exercising are practises that will only improve your chances of preventing the conditions’ development.
- Know your genes: If you believe that some of the aforementioned conditions run in your family, or that you are at a higher risk of developing neuropathy, please consult with our neurologist near Stony Brook, Dr. James Bruno.
If your neurologist diagnoses you with peripheral neuropathy (via a nerve-response test or other methods), some countermeasures that can be administered may include any of the following:
- Administering pain medication.
- Surgery (usually only for extreme cases).
- Treating underlying causes.
Contact Us
At Three Village Neurology, our goal is to diagnose and treat your conditions to help you return to your everyday life. If you are seeking a neurologist near Stony Brook, Dr. James Bruno needs to be in your consideration. Please contact him online today by visiting our appointment page.