Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be difficult to diagnose and treat. If you have numbness, tingling, weakness or burning pain in the hands and feet, you may have peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to either the motor or sensory nerves.

The peripheral nerves are responsible for taking information to and from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy which can cause temporary or long-term issues.

At Nebraska Medicine, we have a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to identify the cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Once we have obtained an accurate diagnosis, our team will develop a personalized treatment regimen to minimize the progression of the neuropathy, manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Peripheral Neuropathy Care at Nebraska Medicine

We Have the Expertise

Our neurology department has three, board-certified, neuromuscular specialists who focus on neuromuscular diseases, including: peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, diseases of the neuromuscular junction, and motor neuron disease.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

When you combine Nebraska Medicine’s advanced diagnostic equipment with the experience and expertise of our doctors, you can see how we are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat peripheral neuropathy and other neuromuscular diseases.

Our high-tech diagnostic tools include: a standardized electromyography, quantitative sensory testing and testing in our Autonomic and Sensory Nerve Lab.

The only one in the state, the Autonomic and Sensory Nerve Lab helps to identify autonomic and small fiber nerve involvement in peripheral neuropathies.

With an accurate diagnosis, neuropathies are manageable. Whether they are curable depends on the cause of the problem. Oftentimes, treatment involves treating the cause.

A thorough diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Blood tests
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Lumbar puncture (LP)
• Imaging including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Biopsies of nerves, muscles and/or skin

Comprehensive and Coordinated Care

We provide a very comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to your care. You may see a variety of health care professionals who all share expertise in the management of peripheral neuropathy, including: neuromuscular physicians, neurosurgeons, neurophysiologists, pain management specialists, infusion specialists, nurse case managers, physical, occupational and speech therapists, social workers and nutritionists. Our goal is to maximize your level of neurological functioning in a supportive environment.

Access to Clinical Trials

Our specialists are active in clinical research and participate in ongoing clinical trials offering patients access to the latest and most advanced treatment options.