3 Ways to Diagnose Peripheral Neuropathy in New Jersey

Peripheral Neuropathy 101

Literally, peripheral neuropathy means “condition affecting the nerves on the periphery of the nervous system.” It comes from the Greek terms, “peripheria” (outer surface), “neuron” (nerve) and “pathos” (condition). 

The nervous system is composed of two parts:

• the central nervous system (CNS, composed of the brain and the spinal cord)
• and the peripheral nervous system (PNS, composed of the rest of the nerves in the body).

Nerves are made up of neurons, which send signals using electrical and chemical signs. When these signals and the communication between neurons cannot be completed, nerve function is affected, resulting in a variety of symptoms. 

Symptom Types

MAny symptoms can be the result of peripheral neuropathy, as it can affect a single nerve or a group. Additionally, symptoms depend on the type of nerve signals affected. Symptoms types are:

• Motor
• Sensory
• Autonomic

Motor Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Uncontrollable muscle movements

Sensory Symptoms

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pain
• Imbalance, clumsiness

Autonomic Symptoms

Sweating, digestion, blood pressure control, these are automatic functions that your body does without you being aware. When the autonomic signals are disrupted, these functions cannot be controlled correctly; which can lead to:

• Blood pressure changes
• Uncontrollable sweat—or lack thereof
• Bowel and bladder issues
• Sexual dysfunction
• Skin color changes
• Swelling
• Blurry vision 

👉 Learn more: Do You Have These Telltale Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy?

3 Ways to Diagnose Peripheral Neuropathy in New Jersey

With such a varied symptomatology, peripheral neuropathy can be difficult to diagnose. Healthcare professionals usually combine three methods to ensure they are reaching the right diagnosis. These are:

Symptom and Medical History Analysis

When you meet your doctor, you will provide them with your medical history and respond to several questions about past conditions and present changes you have noticed. It is important to note that diabetes is an important factor in peripheral neuropathy—if you have it, you should be detailed in your account of your history with the disease.

Physical and Neurological Examination

Your healthcare provider will conduct several systematic assessments to evaluate nerve function and identify the pattern and severity of nerve damage.

• Physical Examination: Your doctor will inspect your feet, hands, and limbs, looking for atrophy, skin changes, ulcers or deformities. Additionally, they will assess muscle strength by checking resistance.
• Sensory Testing: This might involve light touch with cotton swabs or soft brushes, testing sensitivity to heat and cold, coordination between fingers and sense of direction, etc.
• Reflexes: A reflex hammer at the ankles, knees, and arms can help indicate peripheral nerve issues.

Laboratory and Imaging Tests, Including

• Basic screening
• Diabetes and metabolic testing
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Infectious diseases screenings
• Specialized tests like heavy metal screening, porphyrin levels, genetic testing, etc.
• Thyroid function

The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy requires a comprehensive approach combining thorough physical and neurological examinations with targeted laboratory testing. The physical examination provides essential information about the pattern, severity, and type of nerve damage through systematic assessment of muscle strength, sensory function, and reflexes. Laboratory tests then help identify the underlying cause, whether it’s diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, or other metabolic disorders. This multi-faceted diagnostic approach, incorporating detailed medical history, comprehensive physical examination, and appropriate laboratory investigations, enables healthcare providers to not only confirm the presence of peripheral neuropathy but also determine its underlying cause, ultimately guiding effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Managing Peripheral Neuropathy in New Jersey

For those in New York and New Jersey, the University Pain and Spine Center provides specialized care for peripheral neuropathy, offering a range of diagnostic methods and treatments. Our team of expert healthcare providers create personalized plans to improve patients’ quality of life.

Our pain management experts in Somerset, Monroe, Ewing, Englewood Cliffs, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bloomfield, Freehold, Clark, and Elizabeth, New Jersey are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives.