How Is Neuropathy Diagnosed in Vacaville

Neuropathy in Vacaville is caused by damage or dysfunction on one or more nerves that can cause tingling, numbness, muscle pain and weakness in the affected area. It normally starts in the hands and feet, but there are other body parts that are affected as well.

Diagnosing neuropathy in Vacaville CA

Neuropathy, sometimes called peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that affects your peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system consists of a network of nerves that are linked to your brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord are part of the central nervous system. When these nerve cells (neurons) are damaged or destroyed, then it results in neuropathy. This will disrupt the communication of the neurons with each other and the brain.

• History and Physical Exam - Your doctor will first conduct a thorough history and physical exam. After that, your doctor will take a look at your symptoms and asks some questions such as the medications that you use, exposure to any toxic substances, your work or social habits, your history of trauma, family history regarding diseases of the nervous system, your diet and alcohol use.
• Neurological Exam - Your doctor will check on your reflexes, balance and coordination as well as your ability to feel sensation, and your muscle strength and tone.
• Blood Work and Imaging Tests - Your doctor will also prescribe you to undergo blood work and imaging tests. Blood work can show any vitamin and mineral deficiencies, thyroid problems, electrolyte imbalances, toxic substances, antibodies to certain viruses or autoimmune diseases. For imaging tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help detect any tumors, nerve compression, or pinched nerves.
• Genetic Testing - If a doctor suspects that your neuropathy is due to a genetic condition, then a genetic test may be required.
• Electrodiagnostic Assessment (EDX) - Your doctor may recommend you to a nerve specialist for an EDX to determine the degree and location of your nerve damage. An EDX may consist of 2 tests:
  • Needle Electromyography (EMG) - An EMG can know about your muscle's health and find out if there is any disconnection between the muscle and the nerve by measuring the electrical activity within the muscle while it's being used. During an EMG, a very thin needle electrode is pierced through the skin and into the muscle. The muscle will need to follow a specific movement and its electrical activity will be recorded on a graph called an electromyogram.
  • Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) - During this test, small patches known as electrodes will be placed on the skin over the muscles and nerves on different sections of your body, particularly on the arms and legs. A brief electrical pulse is applied to the patch over the nerve that needs to be studied. This test will measure the size of the response and how fast the nerve is carrying the electrical signal. It will allow the motor and sensory nerves to be studied more clearly.
• Tissue Biopsies - There are cases where a muscle, nerve or skin biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. During the biopsy, a small tissue sample is removed for examination through a microscope.
• Other Tests - There are tests that include testing your body's ability to sweat and other tests that will check on the sensitivity of your senses (touch, pain, vibration, heat/cold).

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