Peripheral Nerve Disease
Spinal Nerve Roots
One of the most common problems in neurology is when a spinal nerve root is compressed, leading to pain, numbness, and sometimes weakness. To understand the problem, we first need to understand the anatomy of the spine.
How EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies Work
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are helpful tools neurologists use to investigate diseases of the peripheral nervous system and muscles. Learn more about how these tests are done here.
The Peripheral Nervous System
Understanding the peripheral nervous system is critical to understanding many causes of numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Guide to Peripheral Neuropathy
Learn more about damage to the peripheral nervous system.
Understanding EMG and NCS Results
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are tools that help neurologists locate and find the cause of diseases of muscle and peripheral nerves.
Numbness and Tingling
How neurologists approach the common problem of numbness and tingling.
What is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is a term used to describe damage to the nerve roots. The most common cause is when the nerve root is pressed on by a ruptured disc, or when the bony opening through which the nerve root travels (the lamina) is too small.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain, in contrast to the nocioceptive variety, is chronic pain in which the nerve fibers themselves have become damaged or dysfunctional. As a result, the fibers send incorrect signals that are perceived as pain. Neuropathic pain usually follows a tissue injury, and you might feel it as either pins and needles, a burning sensation or an electrical shock.
Non-Invasive Treatment of Back Pain
Doctors usually suggest conservative, noninvasive methods of treating back pain and radiculopathy prior to exploring surgical options.
Disc Surgery
Learn about surgical methods of treating back pain when less invasive methods have failed.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is leg irritation, numbness or tingling that results from irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, and can cause many different types of peripheral nerve disease. Learn more about how to recognize and manage diabetic peripheral neuropathy here.
Chemotherapy-Related Peripheral Neuropathy
Chemotherapy has many side effects, including peripheral neuropathy. Learn more here about the neuropathy caused by medication used to fight cancers.
Subacute Combined Degeneration
A low vitamin B12 level can cause changes in thinking, sensation, and even the ability to walk. Despite being frequently found in most diets, a low B12 level is not uncommon. Learn why here.