	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Health & Fitness Articles

Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis

By John Hayes Jr

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 28Jun2010
Word count: 429
Viewed: 178 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

There are many types of Peripheral Neuropathy, classified based on their root causes. Some are brought about by genetic predisposition (hereditary), diabetes, due to exposure to toxins, alcoholism, nerve injuries, intake of certain medications, or even those suffering from metabolic syndrome. Some peripheral neuropathy cases are idiopathic in nature or those whose causes is unknown.

However, despite peripheral neuropathies being different from each other, patients who have peripheral neuropathy do have remarkably similar symptoms. These symptoms include numbness, loss of sensation, tingling or prickling sensation and sleep disturbance.

In order to determine the component of a patient's peripheral neuropathy, doctors conduct a very thorough evaluation. This will include things such as checking your vital signs, body mass index, the mobility and range of motion of your lower back and hips, and the overall health of your feet, skin, nails and hair, blood vessels and circulation. This might include Doppler ultrasound, a simple painless test to check for blood flow or blockages.

As the doctor performs clinical examination, neurological examination including reflexes, muscle-testing, and sensation to touch using a device as simple as a pin, a brush or perhaps even a pinwheel, will also be conducted. Also, doctors will commonly check your vibration sensation, which very often is disturbed in peripheral neuropathy. This is done painlessly and very easily through the use of simple tuning forks. Your balance will be assessed.

Laboratory tests will also be conducted such as chemistry panel, kidney and liver function test, blood-sugar level and a hemoglobin A1c. This particular test is very good in determining if a patient is a borderline diabetic. It has been found that several patients with peripheral neuropathy have yet to be diagnosed with diabetes but are already suffering from metabolic syndrome.

Additional considerations in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy include the application of things like NCV, or nerve conduction velocities. These are oftentimes performed in the offices of neurologists and other healthcare providers who are trained and certified in their application.

You can help your doctor properly diagnose your peripheral neuropathy by bringing with you a copy of laboratory tests that you're underwent within a couple of years prior to your visit. This will definitely reduce having a test duplicated unnecessarily. Let them know about your medical and family history as well. The more they know, the better they'll be able to diagnose your condition.

Remember that peripheral neuropathy is a diagnosis of exclusion. The more your doctor knows about you, your medical history and symptoms, the better they would be able to exclude causes not associated with your peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. John Hayes, Jr. is an Evvy Award Nominee and author of "Living and Practicing by Design" and "Beating Neuropathy". As a chiropractic consultant, his work on peripheral neuropathy has expanded practice building to MDs, PTs and DPMs. Sign up at http://perfectpracticeweb.com to get a free CD and information packet on his unique services. Peripheral neuropathy doctors and patients will find more at http://neuropathydr.com

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here