Does neuropathy show up on an MRI?

What scan is best to detect nerve damage?

MRI can help diagnose peripheral nerve injury by providing detailed images of the nerves and surrounding tissues. It can identify the location and extent of nerve damage, which can help guide treatment decisions.

What are the first signs of nerve damage?

The first signs of nerve damage often involve tingling, numbness, or a "pins-and-needles" feeling, especially in the hands and feet, along with sharp, burning pain, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to touch, and clumsiness like dropping objects. Other early indicators can include balance issues, muscle twitching, or feeling like you're wearing tight gloves or socks.
 

What is often mistaken for neuropathy?

Conditions often mistaken for neuropathy include pinched nerves (radiculopathy, sciatica, carpal tunnel), vascular issues (like PAD), vitamin deficiencies (B12), autoimmune diseases (Lupus, RA), and fibromyalgia, all sharing symptoms like tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain, but originating from different underlying causes, making proper diagnosis crucial. 

What can a neurologist do for neuropathy?

Depending on the particular type of neuropathy, a neurologist may provide treatment for autoimmune mediated process with Immunoglobulin. Neuropathies caused by nerve entrapment or injuries can be treated with surgery.

Which vitamin deficiency causes neuropathy?

A lack of B12 damages the myelin sheath that surrounds and protect nerves. Without this protection, nerves cease to function properly and conditions such as peripheral neuropathy occur. Even B12 deficiency that is relatively mild may affect the nervous system and the proper functioning of the brain.

What triggers neuropathy to flare up?

Neuropathy flares are often triggered by poor blood sugar control (especially in diabetes), stress, lack of sleep, infections (shingles, Lyme), nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins), excessive alcohol, certain medications, and even weather changes or pressure on nerves, making hypersensitive nerves vulnerable to exacerbations from lifestyle factors or illness.
 

What kind of doctor treats neuropathy in feet and legs?

A podiatrist , or foot doctor, can help manage these issues. Specializing in foot care, podiatrists offer treatments to improve your comfort and mobility. They can assess nerve damage, provide care for neuropathy, and recommend treatments like custom orthotics or therapies to reduce numbness & improve sensation.

Can MRI show neurological issues?

A brain MRI can show a healthcare professional any areas of the brain where changes have occurred or where the brain isn't functioning as it should. This test may be used to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as headaches, changes in vision, seizures or hearing loss.

What is the number one medical condition that causes neuropathy?

The number one medical condition that causes neuropathy, specifically peripheral neuropathy, is diabetes, due to high blood sugar damaging nerves over time, affecting around half of all people with diabetes, particularly in their feet and hands. Other major causes include physical injury (trauma), autoimmune disorders, infections, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, kidney disease, and certain medications, but diabetes is the leading underlying systemic disease.
 

What is the most successful treatment for neuropathy?

The most effective neuropathy treatment varies, but generally involves managing the underlying cause (like blood sugar for diabetes), using medications (antidepressants like duloxetine, anticonvulsants like gabapentin/pregabalin, or topical lidocaine/capsaicin), physical/occupational therapy for balance and strength, and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking). A combination approach addressing pain, symptoms, and the root cause provides the best outcome, with physical therapy and medications like duloxetine or gabapentin often cited as highly beneficial. 

What age does neuropathy usually start?

People are also more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy as they age. It most commonly occurs in people in their 70s and 80s. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but controlling underlying conditions (like diabetes) and managing symptoms may prevent the problem from worsening.

What are the worst symptoms of neuropathy?

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include: Gradual onset of numbness, prickling, or tingling in your feet or hands. These sensations can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain.

What physical exam would indicate neuropathy?

Confirming if you have a neuropathy

These may include: a nerve conduction test (NCS), where small metal wires called electrodes are placed on your skin that release tiny electric shocks to stimulate your nerves; the speed and strength of the nerve signal is measured.

What is the new treatment for neuropathy in the feet?

New treatments for foot neuropathy focus on advanced neuromodulation (like spinal cord stimulation), regenerative therapies (stem cells, PRP), targeted pharmaceuticals (capsaicin patches, sodium channel blockers), and innovative devices (VR, smart orthotics) to interrupt pain signals, promote nerve repair, and improve sensory feedback, offering hope beyond traditional medications.
 

What are the top 3 causes of neuropathy?

Here is a look at the six main causes of neuropathy:

• Diabetes. Diabetes is the most common culprit, causing about half of all neuropathy cases. ...
• Alcohol. Yes, too much alcohol can cause neuropathy. ...
• Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may cause neuropathy. ...
• Kidney failure. ...
• Inherited causes. ...
• Nutritional deficiencies.

What should you not do if you have neuropathy?

With neuropathy, you should avoid alcohol, excess sugar, refined grains, unhealthy fats (saturated/trans), and excessive caffeine, as they worsen nerve pain and inflammation; also avoid tight shoes, extreme temperatures, repetitive motions, smoking, and illegal drugs, while closely managing blood sugar and protecting your feet from injury. 

Does neuropathy affect both feet or just one?

It can affect nerves in the feet, legs, hands and arms. It often starts in the feet, usually affecting both feet at the same time. Most often, peripheral neuropathy symptoms affect both sides of the body.

What can worsen neuropathy symptoms?

"Patients with established neuropathy can have fluctuating symptoms, as their nerves are even more vulnerable to factors that typically cause neuropathy, such as poor glycemic control or excessive alcohol consumption," Dr. Vo explains. "Any secondary factor — even something very small — can aggravate symptoms."

What type of doctor treats nerve damage?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions affecting your brain, spinal cord and nerves.

What does neuropathy feel like in the feet?

Neuropathy in the feet often feels like tingling, numbness, or a "pins-and-needles" sensation, accompanied by burning, sharp, or stabbing pains, sometimes described as electric shocks. People might experience extreme sensitivity to touch, feeling like they're wearing socks or walking on stones, or conversely, a loss of feeling for temperature or pressure, while muscle weakness and balance issues can also occur, often worsening at night.