外围 神经病变
Overview
外围 neuropathy is a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral 神经s. 周围神经, located outside of the brain 和 spinal cord, provide the means of communication between the brain 和 other parts of the body, 包括肌肉, 皮肤, 内部器官和血管. Neuropathies affect at least 20 million people in the United States.
If one 神经 is damaged, the condition is referred to as mononeuropathy. If many 神经s are involved, it is called polyneuropathy.
周围神经病变的病因
Although there are some cases in which the cause is unknown, peripheral neuropathies have many well-defined causes, 包括:
- 酗酒
- 淀粉样变
- Autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome
- 贝尔氏麻痹症
- 癌症
- 腕管综合症
- 慢性肾衰竭
- Connective tissue disease, such as 类风湿性关节炎, 红斑狼疮 和 结节病
- 糖尿病 — nearly 60 percent of all people with diabetes suffer from peripheral neuropathy
- Infectious disease, such as Lyme disease, 艾滋病毒/艾滋病 和 乙型肝炎
- 肝衰竭
- 神经根病
- 维生素缺乏
Our Approach to 外围 神经病变
Our experts treat peripheral neuropathy by focusing on the underlying cause. We offer advanced diagnostic techniques as well as surgical 和 nonsurgical treatments. We also provide education, support 和 outreach programs for patients living with these disorders.
奖 & 识别
-
Among the top hospitals in the nation
-
加州最好，排名第一. 神经病学全国排名第二 & 神经外科
迹象 & 症状
Although there are numerous causes of peripheral neuropathies, they do share some common 症状, 包括:
- Weakness, numbness 和 pain in the h和s, legs 和/or feet
- 感觉异常, a condition that causes abnormal sensations such as burning, 挠痒痒, 刺痛的或刺痛的
诊断
A crucial part of diagnosing neuropathy is to identify the cause of the underlying condition. Both physical 和 neurological exams will be performed. A number of 测试s may be used to determine the underlying cause of neuropathy 和 rule out other conditions. Along with blood 和 urine 测试s, the following also may be performed:
- 脑电图(EEG) 这 测试 records electrical activity inside the brain.
- 脊椎抽液 在这 测试, 也叫腰椎穿刺, a special needle is placed into the lower back in the spinal canal, 脊髓周围的区域. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is removed for 测试ing. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain 和 spinal cord.
- 计算机断层扫描(CT) A CT扫描 is a series of detailed pictures of the brain, created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine.
- 磁共振成像(MRI) 这 扫描 provides pictures of the brain, using a powerful magnet linked to a computer.
- Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Studies 这些 研究 record the speed at which impulses travel through 神经s 和 measure electrical responses.
- 肌电图(EMG) 这 测试 records the electrical activity in muscle tissue 和 is used to distinguish neuropathy from other neurological conditions.
In addition, your doctor may suggest a 神经 or 肌肉活检 为了确认诊断. Biopsy involves removing tissue for microscopic evaluation 和 chemical analysis.
治疗
Therapy for peripheral neuropathy focuses on treating the underlying cause. For example, if the condition is caused by diabetes, therapy will aim to control diabetes. If a tumor or ruptured disc is the cause, treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor or repair the ruptured disc. In other cases, treatment may focus on managing pain.
Fortunately, peripheral 神经s have a remarkable ability to regenerate themselves. New treatments that are currently being developed 和 studied use 神经 growth factors or gene therapy to treat peripheral neuropathy. 这 work may offer improved chances for recovery in the future.
加州大学旧金山分校健康 medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only 和 is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
