Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain caused by damaged or faulty nerves can be excruciating. The board-certified neurologists at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute’s offices in Bethlehem, Lilburn, and Braselton, Georgia, understand how disabling neuropathy can be. They offer comprehensive care that genuinely helps, including advanced treatments like nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation. Call your nearest Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute office today to request a consultation or book a neuropathy evaluation online.

What is neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when peripheral nerves extending from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) around your body malfunction or suffer damage.

These nerves help control movement, feeling, and other functions. When they don’t work properly, you may develop long-term pain that doesn’t improve or may even worsen.

What causes neuropathy?

Possible causes of neuropathy, include:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar damages nerves over time)
• Injuries from accidents, falls, or surgeries
• Infections like shingles, Lyme disease, or HIV
• Vitamin deficiencies, especially low levels of B vitamins
• Fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Alcohol misuse (long-term heavy drinking can cause nerve damage)
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs
• Nerve compression from musculoskeletal changes

Sometimes, it’s uncertain what’s causing the problem. This is called idiopathic neuropathy. Even if your provider can’t determine a cause for your symptoms, they understand that your issues are just as real and disabling as those of someone who receives a definitive diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms can vary, but often include:

• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
• Burning or sharp pain
• Electric-shock-like pain
• Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble walking or keeping balance

To evaluate neuropathy, the Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute team asks about your symptoms and medical history and completes physical and neurological exams.

Tests you may need include on-site nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to measure how well your nerves and muscles are working, blood tests to check for diabetes, infections, or vitamin deficiencies, and imaging (MRI or CT) to look for nerve damage or compression.

How is neuropathy treated?

Neuropathy treatment depends on the cause and symptoms. Your personalized treatment plan may include the following:

• Physical therapy
• Topical creams
• Pain medication patches
• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories  
• Anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin
• Low-dose antidepressants
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shots
• Steroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation

If you have severe neuropathic pain and don’t respond to these treatments, you might benefit from spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation.

This involves a minimally invasive procedure to implant a small generator. The unit sends electrical signals to the problem nerves, disrupting pain transmission to your brain.

Call Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute or schedule a consultation online today if you need help with neuropathy.