Neuropathy Specialist
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ITAV Pain Management Practice of New York
Ngugi Kinyungu, M.D.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist & Anesthesiologist located in Nassau County, Plainview, NY
Neuropathy affects more than 20 million Americans every year. It’s a complicated and mysterious condition that many doctors don’t have a handle on. At ITAV Pain Management, Dr. Ngugi Kinyungu offers men and women living in or around Plainview, New York, preventive and diagnostic care to address any neuropathy-related complications. Book an appointment online or call the office today to learn more about your treatment options.
Neuropathy Q & A
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to damage in the peripheral nerves located outside your brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves are responsible for sending information from your central nervous system, spinal cord, and brain to the rest of your body.
Neuropathy is an umbrella term to characterize a group of neural complications, such as numbness, weakness, and pain in your hands and feet.
In most cases, neuropathy affects the sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. Respectively, they control sensation, mobility, blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and bladder function.
Are there different kinds of neuropathy?
There are three main types of neuropathy.
- Mononeuropathy - damage in a single nerve in a localized area
- Multiple mononeuropathy - damage to two or more nerves in diverse areas
- Polyneuropathy - multiple nerves are damaged in the same area
What causes neuropathy?
The specific causes of neuropathy are not yet undetermined. However, neuropathy is often related to various conditions throughout the body, like diabetes for example, which damages nerves because of high blood sugar levels.
High alcohol consumption, various cancer treatments, and family history can also precipitate neuropathy. Other nerve damage-inducing diseases and injuries include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Lyme disease
- Shingles
- B12 deficiency
- HIV/HIV treatment medicine
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Chronic liver disease
- Lymphoma and myeloma
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Patients often equate neuropathy to walking on glass, but everyone responds differently to the condition. The most common symptoms of neuropathy include any of the following:
- Permanent or temporary numbness
- Organ or gland dysfunction
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling, prickling, or burning sensation
- Changes in blood pressure
- Sensitivity to touch
- Paralysis
- Bladder and sexual function complications
How do you treat neuropathy?
Dr. Kinyungu works with you to determine what the best course of action is to find adequate treatment for your neuropathy. He might recommend a series of pain relievers, anti-seizure medication, or antidepressant.
In some cases, physical therapy or nerve stimulation therapy can have a hugely positive effect on your symptoms. Dr. Kinyungu can also recommend high-powered CBD or THC topical creams to help ease the neuropathy-related pain.
Neuropathy also comes about as a result of poor lifestyle choices. Dr. Kinyungu can recommend a series of lifestyle changes that can significantly help manage symptoms, like regular exercise, blood sugar regulation through a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.
Dr. Kinyungu is committed to enabling you to manage your neuropathic symptoms. Book an appointment online or call the office today to learn more about neuropathy treatment.
