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That Numbness In Your Legs Might Be Nueropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy, also known as Peripheral Nerve Disease, is one of the most common diseases most people have never heard of, and approximately 15- 20 million Americans have it, according to the Neuropathy Association.

The disease is caused by deterioration of the peripheral nerves and it disrupts the body's ability to communicate with its muscles, organs, and tissues. It is as if the body's wiring system has gone haywire, causing unusual or unpleasant irritations including tingling, burning, itchiness, crawling sensation, dizziness, clumsiness, and more. If ignored, as they too often are, these neuropathy symptoms can lead to numbness at one extreme to unremitting pain at the other. However, if diagnosed and treated early, peripheral neuropathy can often be controlled.

A peripheral nervous system includes nerves in the face, arms, legs, torso, and some nerves in the skull. In fact, all of the nerves not located in the central nervous system — which includes the brain and the spinal cord — are peripheral nerves.

Symptoms often begin gradually. There may be a tingling sensation or numbness that starts in the toes or the balls of the feet and spreads upward. Tingling might also begin in the hands and extend up the arms. In some cases, skin may become so sensitive that the slightest touch is agonizing. One may also have numbness, or even a complete lack of feeling, in the hands or feet.

At times, symptoms may be barely noticeable, and some people go years without realizing anything is wrong. For others, symptoms are constant, and especially at night may be most unbearable.

If the motor nerves are affected, one may have weakness or paralysis of the muscles controlled by those nerves, a result of damage to peripheral nerves. Nerve disease can often be best assessed by a neurologist, that is a physician with special training in diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system.

Dr. Simon Farrow is a neurologist who has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic peripheral neuropathy. After a full evaluation he may be able to begin a course of treatment to help a patients' particular problem.

Dr. Farrow's practice philosophy is that each patient is an individual who deserves his special attention.

For further information or to make an appointment, please call (702) 818-3231.