What Is Idiopathic Neuropathy
in Vacaville

Neuropathy is a condition where the damaged nerves interfere with the proper function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). When the cause can't be narrowed down, it's called idiopathic neuropathy.

The central nervous system (CNS) sends information to the PNS and distributes it to the rest of the body.

The PNS consists of 3 kinds of nerves in Vacaville

• Sensory Nerves - It relays messages from the senses to the brain. This is where your sensations of touch and temperature comes from.
• Motor Nerves - It transmits messages from the brain to the muscles. In short, it's responsible for helping the brain control the muscles.
• Autonomic Nerves - It controls other bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and heart rate.

When the nerve cells are damaged, it can affect the communication of the PNS with the rest of the body. It can come with symptoms such as pain, numbness, and balance issues.

For symptoms that develop suddenly, it is referred to as acute neuropathy. It is also called chronic neuropathy when the symptoms start off slow and increase over time.

This condition can be diagnosed through physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Diagnostic testing includes nerve testing, blood tests, and imaging tests.

Idiopathic neuropathy can't be cured but the symptoms can be helped through medication, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy.

Symptoms of idiopathic neuropathy

Take note that the symptoms listed here may not all be present. These symptoms can be felt first in your feet then possible in your shins:

• Numbness, pain and tingling
• Unsteady when walking or standing
• Cramps or muscle weakness

If the motor nerves are affected, you will experience:

• Paralysis
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of muscle control
• Cramp, twitch, or muscle spasm

There are also instances where you feel like fainting when you're standing.

How is idiopathic neuropathy diagnosed?

There are exams and testing to be done on a patient to help diagnose neuropathy, find the nerve damage, and possible identify its cause. The standard procedure for diagnosis is for the doctor to first gather your medical history and perform physical and neurological exams.

In addition to that, doctors will use MRI, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies to locate the nerve compression or damage that's causing your symptoms. These testing will also help the doctor narrow down the condition that caused nerve damage in the first place.

There is a short-list of possible causes of idiopathic neuropathy. Your doctor will ask you if you have experienced the following conditions or may look signs for it. These includes:

• HIV
• Chemotherapy
• Stroke
• Tumors
• Shingles
• Toxins
• Injury or Trauma
• Spine Disorders
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Viral Infections
• Autoimmune Diseases

If you haven't gotten tested for neuropathy, then make an appointment with Dr. Alex Tam. Give his clinic, Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine, a call by dialing (707) 474-5688 and set up an appointment right away.