Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is said to have many types, mostly classified according to their root causes. Some of it's types include those caused by diabetes, heavy metal toxins, alcoholism, nerve injuries, and medication intake. Other causes are hereditary while others are idiopathic in nature, or those causes that are unknown.

However, despite peripheral neuropathies being different from each other, patients who have peripheral neuropathy do have remarkably similar symptoms. Among the common symptoms experienced by patients include loss of sensation, tingling, numberness and sleep disturbance.

Doctors perform thorough evaluation in order to determine the components of a patient's peripheral neuropathy. 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 could include a simple painless test to check for blood flow or blockages called Doppler ultrasound.

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. Your vibration sensation which is often disturbed in peripheral neuropathy will also be checked by your doctor. This is done painlessly and very easily through the use of simple tuning forks. Your balance will be assessed.


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