What is idiopathic peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy includes a number of disorders known to cause damage to the peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system is made up of:
- Sensory nerves that provide sensory information (cold, heat, taste)
- Motor nerves that control muscle function
- Autonomic nerves that control unconscious body functions (heartbeat, digestion)
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.
What are idiopathic peripheral neuropathy symptoms?
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.
How is idiopathic peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?
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.
How is idiopathic peripheral neuropathy treated?
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:
Peripheral nerve stimulation
If your idiopathic peripheral neuropathy causes chronic pain that fails to respond to medical intervention, the team may recommend peripheral nerve stimulation.
Medical cannabis
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
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.
