Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a common problem caused by trauma, infection, or underlying medical conditions. It damages the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, affecting balance, mobility, and sensations. At Houston Pain Services, board-certified interventional pain management specialist Adrian C. Dumitru, MD, and the team offer various minimally invasive treatments for neuropathy. Call the Houston, Texas, office today to make an appointment or book online.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a blanket term referring to nerve damage. 

Your nerves are responsible for sending pain signals to your brain. If they’re damaged or stop functioning normally, it can affect your coordination, muscle strength, and balance. 

There’s no cure for neuropathy, but when caught early on, it’s possible to prevent further damage and keep the problem from worsening.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Muscle atrophy
• Uncontrolled muscle movements
• Tingling and numbness
• Loss of balance
• Pain
• Blood pressure changes
• Sweating too much or not enough
• Bowel or bladder problems

As the condition worsens, you may experience sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction or pain during intercourse.

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs for various reasons, including:

• Untreated diabetes
• Alcohol use disorder
• Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
• Genetic conditions
• Infection
• Trauma
• Surgery

Sometimes, nerve damage occurs for unknown reasons. This is called idiopathic neuropathy.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Dr. Dumitru reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. He then completes a physical and neurological exam, testing your ability to feel sensations and checking your muscle strength, reflexes, and balance. 

Next, Dr. Dumitru orders lab tests, including bloodwork, urinalysis, and electromyography. These screens can identify underlying health problems that increase your risk of nerve damage.

How is neuropathy treated?

At Houston Pain Services, Dr. Dumitru and the team use minimally invasive treatments to manage neuropathy whenever possible. They may recommend:

• Prescription medication
• Physical therapy
• Devices and medical equipment, such as braces, canes, or a walker
• Podiatry and foot care to prevent infections and preserve your mobility
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Nerve blocks and other pain management injections

If your pain continues or worsens, Dr. Dumitru may suggest surgery. Surgery can help reconnect severed nerves or relieve pressure on trapped nerves.

How can I prevent neuropathy from worsening?

The easiest way to prevent neuropathy from worsening is to live a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Dumitru and the team recommend eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol use. If you have a chronic health problem, like diabetes, you should also take steps to keep your blood sugar in check. 

Call Houston Pain Services today to receive treatment for neuropathy, or book your appointment online.