Neuropathy Treatment in Mississippi

Neuropathy Overview

Neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When the peripheral nerves are damaged, they can lead to pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness, primarily in the hands and feet. Approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from some form of neuropathy, most often in the extremities. The neurologists at Hattiesburg Clinic offer personalized solutions to alleviate neuropathy symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Causes of Neuropathy

Diabetes: Diabetic neuropathy affects nearly half of all diabetes patients.

Autoimmune disease: Neuropathy is a common symptom in those suffering from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-barré syndrome.

Infections: Shingles, Lyme disease and HIV can all damage peripheral nerves and cause neuropathy.

Injuries: Acute, traumatic injuries, repetitive stress fractures or nerve compression can lead to neuropathy.

Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, excessive alcohol or even certain medications can lead to nerve damage.

Nutritional deficiencies: Those lacking in essential vitamins like B12 can experience nerve issues.

Symptoms of Neuropathy

Neuropathy symptoms can vary based on which type of nerve is most affected – sensory, motor or autonomic. Neuropathy often starts in the hands or feet. The most common signs of neuropathy include:

Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation

Burning or sharp shooting pains

Numbness or decreased sensation

Muscle weakness or cramps

Poor balance and coordination

Diabetic Neuropathy

Neuropathy in diabetic patients is caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy is unique because of this direct link to hyperglycemia, causing damage to the blood vessels that supply the nerves, and over time can lead to nerve degeneration. Unlike other forms of neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy starts at the longest nerves of the body, typically in the feet, and gradually works its way up throughout the body. Without strict blood sugar control, diabetic neuropathy gets progressively worse over time. While diabetic neuropathy is common, it is a completely preventable complication with adherence to a healthy lifestyle and routine appointments.

Treatments Available

At the Hattiesburg Clinic, we have advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your neuropathy. Using an EMG or electromyography to record electrical activity in the muscles, blood tests, nerve conduction studies and imaging, we can pinpoint nerve damage and underlying conditions causing it. Treatment plans may include:

Medications: Our neurologists can prescribe pain relievers, anti-seizure medications or topical treatments.
Advanced Therapies: Advanced therapies include nerve blocks, electrical stimulation or infusion therapy. These can help reduce inflammation, repair nerve damage and alleviate symptoms.
Physical Therapy: We work closely with the Hattiesburg Clinic physical therapists to provide you with exercises to improve strength, balance and coordination.
Lifestyle Modifications: Our Hattiesburg Clinic providers work together to manage underlying conditions and reduce symptoms.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Our neurology team is committed to providing compassionate care and cutting-edge treatments. We focus on your unique symptoms and diagnosis to help treat neuropathy to get you back to your daily life. If you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of neuropathy, contact Hattiesburg Clinic to make an appointment.

Neuropathy