What are the signs and symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending upon what nerves are affected. Children can experience:

• Pain, burning or tingling in hands or feet
• Muscle cramps or muscle twitching
• Numbness or loss of sensation in arms and legs

How is Peripheral Neuropathy diagnosed?

To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, your provider will want to do a detailed physical exam of your child, understand your child’s past medical history and family history, and learn as much as possible from you about the symptoms your child is experiencing.  The provider may also test your child’s reflexes, muscle strength and tone, ability to feel certain sensations, posture and coordination.

The provider may order imaging tests – like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs – to check for injuries, anatomical problems, and other conditions that could be affecting your child’s nerves. He or she may also order a nerve conduction test to measure signals from sensory nerves.

If your provider suspects your child may have an underlying autoimmune condition, metabolic disease or connective tissue disorder, he or she may order additional blood tests and/or refer your child to a rheumatologist, endocrinologist or geneticist.

The exam may include these tests:

Monofilament test – Your provider will use a short piece of filament that looks like fishing line and press it against your child’s skin in various places to see if your child feels the line.

Blood tests – A blood test may be necessary to determine exposure to toxins.

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) - A nerve conduction study (NCS), also called a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test, is a measurement of the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve to determine the extent of nerve damage. Your provider will place several patches on your child’s skin, which are attached to a testing machine. A very mild electric impulse is sent to each nerve your provider wants to test, and the electrical activity is recorded.

Electromyelography (EMG) – For an EMG, a needle electrode that is attached by wires to a recording machine is inserted into a muscle. The electrical activity in that muscle is recorded while the muscle is at rest. Then the technologist or provider will ask your child to tighten (contract) the muscle slowly and steadily. This electrical activity is also recorded. The electrode may be moved a number of times to record the activity in different areas of the muscle or in different muscles.

What are the causes of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can be inherited, caused by injury or disease, or result for exposure to toxins, poor nutrition or occur from prolonged pressure on a nerve.

How is Peripheral Neuropathy treated?

The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on its cause. Neuropathy that is caused by certain diseases can improve with treatment of the underlying conditions, such as diabetes or immune diseases. The pain of peripheral neuropathy can be treated by:

• Pain relievers – over-the-counter or prescription
• Anti-seizure or anti-depressant medications, which can ease  neuropathic pain
• Topical creams or patches
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Desensitization therapy
• Exercise
• Psychological counseling
• Electrode nerve stimulation
• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or activity modifications
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Nerve blocks
• Surgery