Advances in Diagnosing Neuropathy
April 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Advances in Diagnosing Neuropathy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we’ll talk a bit about how neuropathy can be diagnosed. Unfortunately, nowadays, due to insurance hurdles, proper laboratory tests are often not administered in time to make an early diagnosis. Neuropathy-causing conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed by observing trends in blood tests. Patients with metabolic syndrome that develop peripheral neuropathy are often diagnosed with “idiopathic” (of unknown origin) neuropathy because doctors may overlook all the evidence.

One of the things NeuropathyDR clinicians do is observe all laboratory tests for the past five years to try and observe trends other physicians may have missed. Something that may cause neuropathy, in addition to diabetes and metabolic syndrome, is Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is endemic to the Northeastern U.S. and some other areas. It is important to seek treatment quickly for Lyme Disease (or ANY infectious disease) if you suspect you have it–even if a rash is not present. Lyme Disease is most accurately diagnosed using the Western Blot test.

Another problem that can arise when diagnosing neuropathy is when not enough tests are performed and conditions can slip under the radar. One of the most under-diagnosed conditions is thyroid disease. The most common symptom of thyroid disease is unexplained fatigue. Tests for thyroid disease include TSH, T3, and others. It is also important to get diagnosis and treatment for thyroid disease early on, because it can cause peripheral neuropathy and other debilitating conditions.

Please share your questions, comments, and show topic suggestions on our Facebook Page!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Sensory and Motor Neuropathies
April 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

Sensory and Motor Neuropathies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we’re talking about Sensory vs. Motor Neuropathies. There are actually many different kinds of neuropathy. Because everyone is biochemically and genetically different, people who develop neuropathy may develop it in different ways. Neuropathy can be the result of genetics, disease, or injury.

Sensory neuropathies affect the ability to perceive with any of the senses. Most commonly, this presents as tingling or numbness.  Motor neuropathies involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone. Sensory neuropathies, which can often be the result of the effects of diabetes or chemotherapy, are more easily treatable. Motor neuropathies are generally much more difficult to treat and can be the result of a genetic condition such as Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT). CMT symptoms include weakness in the legs and feet. There are several types of CMT, and they can vary in severity and age of onset.

CMT can be diagnosed with EMGs and CMVs; genetic testing can be extremely expensive and not covered by insurance. However, even if a diagnosis is definitively made, treatment can be difficult. Nutritional supplements and energy-enhancing treatments, however, have shown promise for CMT patients.

What other topics would you like us to cover? Join the conversation on our Facebook page, Beating Neuropathy!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Autonomic Neuropathy
March 24, 2013 Leave a Comment

Autonomic Neuropathy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain, we’ll talk about autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is neuropathy that affects the “automatic” functions of the body, such as the heart, breathing, sweating, and digestion. Most cases of autonomic neuropathy is caused by diabetes, but it can also happen with injuries and inflammatory conditions.

There is a screening you can do at home to test for autonomic neuropathy. Take your blood pressure while in a seated position, then stand and immediately take it again. Your blood pressure should rise by 10 points both systolic and diastolic. Though it is possible to get a false positive while doing this, it can be an indicator that autonomic neuropathy is happening.

Making sure you are well-hydrated is important for everyone, but especially in autonomic neuropathy. Add a bit of salt to your water for electrolytes. Diet is important as well. Consuming enough water and fiber will help your digestive system stay healthy. Eat small, frequent meals instead of two or three large ones.

Autonomic neuropathy requires careful evaluation and close supervision. We do not know if there is a significant or long-term cure for it right now. However, the types of treatment we advocate for peripheral neuropathy can also be useful.

Join the conversation on Facebook!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Restless Legs Syndrome
March 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

Restless Legs Syndrome

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain, we’ll discuss Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS. RLS affects middle-aged and older people and can result from several underlying causes. Some of these include kidney disease, iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, spinal problems, pregnancy, or either not enough or too much physical activity. It can also be the result of withdrawal from certain drugs, including caffeine. Often, RLS is associated with patients who have peripheral neuropathy.

RLS symptoms occur when one is at rest (sitting or lying down) and can manifest as sensations of pain, discomfort, pulling, and so on. These feelings can usually be immediately alleviated by walking around. These symptoms can also occur occasionally in someone who is dehydrated or low in magnesium. As with neuropathy patients, it is important to determine the underlying cause because it could be serious. If laboratory tests are not definitive, a trend in past tests can be observed.

Drugs such as Requip/Ropineral can help with RLS symptoms. Patients who are more fit, in general, are less likely to get RLS. Stretching, massage, and yoga can be beneficial. Warm baths with epsom salts can be helpful as well. Supplementing with oral magnesium malate is also indicated with a physician’s consent.

We welcome suggestions for our future shows at Beating Neuropathy on Facebook. Please post any questions or comments there. Thank you for listening!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Chemotherapy Neuropathy Treatment
March 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

Chemotherapy Neuropathy Treatment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we will again be discussing chemotherapy-related neuropathy. Chemotherapy given for cancer–or other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases–can, unfortunately, cause nerve damage (neuropathy).

Patients may or may not develop neuropathy based on which medications they are taking. Platinum-based chemotherapies in particular will usually cause neuropathy. Patients who undergo hormone or radiation therapy in addition to chemotherapy also have a high chance of developing peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms of chemotherapy neuropathy include tingling, numbness, and burning, usually in the hands, feet, and legs. Drugs prescribed to alleviate these symptoms can actually worsen the condition. The good news is, a neurostimulator is a drug-free alternative that can actually be used during chemotherapy. Other options light therapies such as include Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and LED Therapy. Manual therapies such as massage and spinal and joint manipulation are also crucial. Work with your team of medical professionals to find out which combination of these work best for you.

Join our growing Facebook family on Beating Neuropathy! For a free mail information kit and a free ebook, visit NeuropathyDR.com. Contact us at any time to be referred to a NeuropathyDR treatment center.

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Beating Shingles Pain
February 24, 2013 Leave a Comment

Beating Shingles Pain

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we’re going to talk about shingles. Shingles is a recurrence of the chicken pox virus, varicella zoster. If you had chicken pox as a child, the virus can be reactivated in your body and become shingles. It can present as unexplained acute mid-back pain and should be treated with antiviral medication within the first 72 hours of onset. Early diagnosis and treatment will lessen the duration and likelihood of complications from shingles.

One of the side effects of shingles is difficulty performing daily activities, pain, lesions, and postherpetic neuralgia. Post-herpetic neuralgia is a significant complication that occurs in about 50% of shingles sufferers. It presents as shooting pains, burning, or tingling that can last to months–or even–years after a shingles episode.

Treatment for shingles complications often consists of strong drugs, pain injections, and radio frequency ablation. There are some recent studies showing the effectiveness of other, less invasive modalaties for treating shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. These include TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) and LLLT/LED (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy).

One study showed that treatment with TENS showed a significant lessening in the development of postherpetic neuralgia. This kind of treatment must be administered by a trained clinician. Another study showed LLLT was effective in treating both active shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Yet another, related article shows LLLT was also effective in treating the same kind of herpes that causes cold sores.

To learn more about these exciting new treatments, visit us at NeuropathyDR.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page! Questions for us are encouraged!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , , , ,
Exercise and Peripheral Neuropathy
February 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

Exercise and Peripheral Neuropathy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we’ll again be discussing the benefits of exercise for patients for patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy. A new exercise program should only be performed with approval of your treating medical professional. If you have difficulty with balance, or experience numbness in your feet, please perform exercise only under the guidance of a personal trainer or physical therapist. Good, proper-fitting footwear is important as well, both to support and protect the feet.

Some may be concerned that exercise may not be good for people experiencing peripheral neuropathy. This can be true. People with diabetic ulcerations or skin fragility should use extreme caution. Treadmills should also be avoided. Even though they are popular, they create a lot of vibration which can aggravate neuropathy and chronic pain conditions. A better way to exercise the large muscles of the thighs is to use an exercise bike. Pedal wheels are an option for those who may not easily be able to ride a bike. Another option is a “trainer”, which a regular road bike can be placed on and used indoors.

The purpose of exercise is to create more blood flow, which will creae a rise in temperature which will be beneficial to people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. As treatment progresses, the easier it will become to increase body temperature through vasodialation. This is another reason why supervised exercise is beneficial.

References:

A Moderate-Intensity Weight-Bearing Exercise Program for a Person With Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

Effects of a combined strengthening, stretching and functional training program versus usual-care on gait biomechanics and foot function for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial

Effects of peripheral neuropathy on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

Join the conversation on our Facebook page, Beating Neuropathy!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Low-Level Laser and LED Therapy for Neuropathy and Chronic Pain
February 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

Low-Level Laser and LED Therapy for Neuropathy and Chronic Pain

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tonight we will be discussing LLLT (low-level laser) and LED (light-emitting diode) therapies as used for neuropathy and chronic pain.

Much of the research on light therapy has been done by NASA and the US Military. The laser–LLLT–we are talking about is not the same type used in surgeries. It does not cut or burn the skin. Instead, it uses light at a certain wavelength to help the body heal itself. LLLT is anti-inflammatory and encourages the body’s own healing mechanisms, including nerve regeneration. One study has specifically shown that LLLT improves diabetic polyneuropathy by improving nerve conduction velocity. Research has also shown that LED therapy speeds wound healing.

Unfortunately progress on implementing photobiological treatments like LLLT and LED has been slow in the United States. Most insurances will not cover these treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment also depends on the device itself, the location and number of times administered, and, of course, the clinician using it. As of now, not many clinicians have access to these devices; however, this is changing.

Find out more about these exciting new treatments and find your local NeuropathyDR clinician at NeuropathyDR.com. Join our vibrant Facebook community and post any questions or comments you may have!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Diet and Peripheral Neuropathy
February 3, 2013 Leave a Comment

Diet and Peripheral Neuropathy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week on Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain, we will once again be talking about the ideal diet for someone suffering from peripheral neuropathy. This diet is primarily plant-based (vegan) and gluten-free. Dr. Hayes recommends a “paleo” type diet, which is free of processed foods and does contain periodic consumption of lean meats such as salmon. Nutrients such as Acetyl L-Carnitine, found in large quantities in meat, can improve neuropathy and other health conditions.

One of the biggest offending ingredients is dairy. Other than periodic traces of dairy, most people should not consume dairy. Dr. Hayes suggests reading The China Study for those who may be skeptical. Eliminating gluten as well will reduce inflammation. An excess of inflammation in the body will set the stage for serious illness such as cancer. It is not always easy to avoid dairy and gluten, but most who do are glad they did so!

Soy products contain compounds called phytoestrogens, which may be beneficial in improving insulin resistance. Consuming soy protein may reduce excess insulin, which is important for people who suffer from metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) or diabetes.

Another food chronic pain and neuropathy patients can benefit from is healthy fat. Plant-based fats such as coconut and olive, despite their saturated fat content, are not unhealthy. Essential fatty acids improve inflammation, as well as hair and skin. A study in India showed that the EFAs (particularly lauric acid in coconut oil) improved diabetic neuropathy in rats.

Consuming sulfur-rich foods such as garlic and onions will help detoxify the body. Garlic has also been used as an antibiotic and antiparasitic.

Expanding your dietary horizons to include more unprocessed, plant-based foods and limited quantities of high-quality meats and fish will surely improve your quality of life whether you suffer from neuropathy or not!

Find us on Facebook, and email us with questions and/or suggestions!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , , ,
Diabetic Neuropathy and Nutrition
January 20, 2013 Leave a Comment

Diabetic Neuropathy and Nutrition

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we’re talking about some of the nutritional components in treating neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy.

The first nutrient we’ll talk about is Alpha-Lipoic Acid. ALA is one nutrient that is essential to health, and can speed the healing process in patients with diabetic neuropathy. ALA, like any other supplement, should not be taken alone. Often, low doses of supplements in combination with others work best. Most importantly, especially with ALA, blood sugar should be monitored closely. Stimulating metabolism with supplements may require a reduction in medications needed to manage blood sugar.

Diabetics can especially benefit from vitamin D supplementation. One study in particular shows the reversal of diabetic neuropathy in a patient with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes by bringing vitamin D levels up. Vitamin D is important for everyone, especially for those of us living in temperate or cold climates and don’t get a lot of sun exposure throughout the year. Keep your vitamin D levels closely monitored and maintained by working with your physician.

Another study shows that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be able to prevent neuropathy in those with Type 2 diabetes. CoQ10 helps to serve as a protector of cell membranes. Deficiencies can come from aging, taking statin medications, and poor diet. CoQ10 and ALA are sometimes used in combination because of their additive effects. Patients taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin should exercise caution when taking CoQ10 or glucosamine.

The last study we’ll look at today shows that a vegetarian diet can improve insulin resistance in those with Type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet is high in antioxidants, which maintain cell health.

Because we are all different biologically (bioindividuality), not every regimen will work the same for everyone. Please be clearly aware of all drug-nutrient reactions. When buying supplements, make sure they are of the highest grade (sometimes called “nutraceutical”) available.

Keep in touch with us through email or on Facebook! Thank you for listening (or reading)!

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged: , , ,
« Older Posts