Peripheral neuropathy affects millions of Americans and causes a range of symptoms depending on the type of nerve that’s damaged. You can develop peripheral neuropathy from many causes, but when the underlying cause is unknown, you have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. Treating this type of neuropathy may be a little more challenging. At Arkansas Progressive Medicine in Jonesboro, Arkansas, board-certified family physician Dane Flippin, MD, and the team offer innovative treatments for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy to help you get relief from your symptoms. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Peripheral neuropathy includes a number of disorders known to cause damage to the peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system is made up of:
The nerves that make up your peripheral nervous system send information to and receive it from your central nervous system, which includes your brain and spinal cord.
With peripheral neuropathy, your damaged nerve miscommunicates with your central nervous system, affecting health and function. Nerve damage may occur from an underlying disease, such as diabetes, or an injury.
However, when you have nerve damage from no known cause, you have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.
Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy symptoms vary in type and severity, depending on the peripheral nerve that’s damaged. In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms at all.
In general, symptoms start in the extremities, including the hands and feet, and may include pain, numbness, or tingling. You may also experience difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
When you visit Arkansas Progressive Medicine with concerns about peripheral neuropathy, the team conducts comprehensive evaluations to fully understand your symptoms.
In addition to a comprehensive history and physical, the team may also run diagnostic tests, such as a neurological exam, nerve conduction studies, imaging, or bloodwork.
If the tests indicate you have nerve damage, but the cause isn’t known, your provider may diagnose idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.
Arkansas Progressive Medicine is dedicated to helping you get the best treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Depending on your medical history, the team may recommend pain medication, physical therapy, and therapeutic equipment to improve your quality of life.
The team also offers other therapies to treat idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, including:
If your idiopathic peripheral neuropathy causes chronic pain that fails to respond to medical intervention, the team may recommend peripheral nerve stimulation.
The team at Arkansas Progressive Medicine includes certified medical marijuana physicians who can provide the proper documentation so you can get your state medical marijuana identification card.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment that delivers pure oxygen to your body while you lie in a pressurized chamber. The team offers this therapy to help heal your damaged peripheral nerves and alleviate your symptoms.
To get relief from your idiopathic peripheral neuropathy symptoms, call Arkansas Progressive Medicine or book an appointment online today.