Researchers have theorized that up to 30 million of the American population may have neuropathy.
In the world of medical conditions, that is quite a huge number! Unfortunately, researchers predict that only a quarter of all cases of neuropathy get diagnosed.
With a diagnosis, there are treatment options that can help this debilitating condition considerably. Without a diagnosis, many people live the lives of tapeworms in constant pain!
Here is a complete guide on how to test for neuropathy. Read on!
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy can be caused by several things, such as:
- diabetes
- alcoholism
- certain medications
- chemotherapy
With the information gathered through testing, a doctor can develop a treatment plan for neuropathy to best address the patient’s needs.
Identifying the Symptoms of Neuropathy
Knowing the common symptoms of neuropathy is key to understanding the nature of the disorder. The signs may include:
- pain
- numbness
- tingling
- muscle weakness
To definitively tell if you have neuropathy, a complete physical exam should be performed by a doctor. During the exam, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s medical history, including any past or present injuries or diseases that could have caused neuropathy.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Neuropathy
When to seek medical attention for neuropathy will depend on several factors:
- severity of pain
- frequency of pain
- duration of the pain
Get medical help right away if the condition is making it hard to move or causing any other symptoms that are making you feel weak. It’s important to see a doctor to find out what’s causing the pain and treat it. A doctor can suggest tests to find out what’s wrong.
Preparing for a Neuropathy Test
The first step is to create a detailed health record, beginning with the date of the test and any relevant medical history. This may include the following:
- existing medications
- other health concerns
- recent blood tests
- recent changes in physical activity
During the test, the physician will be asking questions about physical, mental, and cognitive abilities. Your answers to these questions will help to determine the cause of any neuropathy symptoms one has.
It is important to be prepared for the test, both mentally and physically, to ensure that the most accurate diagnosis for neurological conditions can be obtained.
How to Test for Neuropathy
There are a variety of tests that can be used to accurately diagnose neuropathy. The most common tests used to diagnose neuropathy are electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and sensory testing.
EMG and NCS measure how well your muscles are functioning, while sensory testing measures how well your nerves process information. Other tests, such as genetic testing and imaging tests (CT scans and MRIs), may also be used to check for any underlying conditions that could be causing the neuropathy.
It’s important to get a full evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider in order to determine which tests are best for you. By working with your healthcare team, you can design a plan to determine the cause of your neuropathy and treatment recommendations.
Techniques to Ensure Accurate Testing Results
When testing for neuropathy, it is important to follow the right techniques to ensure accurate results. The suggested procedure is to begin by performing an in-depth physical and neurological examination.
This should involve looking for any evidence of sensory or motor deficits, possible underlying causes of the disease, and signs of abnormal nerve function. The doctor may order blood tests to rule out certain conditions that could cause similar neurological problems.
Additional tests, such as electromyography, an MRI, nerve conduction studies, or electromyogram, may also be recommended to diagnose the condition.
Interpreting Test Results for Neuropathy
Interpreting test results for neuropathy involves a carefully calculated and documented process, starting with testing for the condition. Testing for neuropathy should be done in order to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the type and severity of the condition.
Forms of testing may include an electromyography (EMG), a nerve conduction velocity or NCV test, a skin biopsy, and a laboratory test to identify if a person has a condition related to neuropathy. Depending on the results of the initial testing, additional tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
The initial diagnosis should be corroborated with tests that show the exact location and extent of the sensory nerve damage. The resulting data should help the doctor develop a treatment plan personalized to the patient’s condition, allowing the doctor to monitor progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
Treatment Options for Neuropathy After Diagnosis
Once the tests have been completed and the doctor has identified the type and cause of neuropathy, they can provide the patient with a personalized treatment plan. This may include one or more of the commonly used treatments, such as:
- lifestyle changes
- medications
- vitamin supplements
- physical therapy
It is important to ensure that your physician is aware of any other medications and treatments you may already be taking, so they can provide you with the best course of treatment.
Get Tested for Neuropathy Today
Neuropathy can affect many parts of your body, making it important to detect and treat it early. Learning how to test for neuropathy can require many different steps. This complete guide has taken you through diagnosing neuropathy, testing, and management options.
Now you are confident in your ability to effectively test for neuropathy. Remember, early detection and management can potentially make a world of difference. If you have more questions or need additional resources, contact your healthcare provider!
