Michael Hanna is an experienced Peripheral Neuropathy specialist who is critical in effectively managing this condition. He can offer comprehensive care and advanced treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves located in the body’s extremities, like the hands, feet, and arms, suffer damage. These nerves transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When these nerves are impaired, they can lead to various symptoms affecting movement, sensation, and organ function.
How Common Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
In the UK, it’s estimated that nearly 1 in 10 people aged 55 and over are affected by Peripheral Neuropathy. This condition spans across different demographics and is a growing concern for healthcare professionals.
Understanding Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy may vary depending on which nerves are affected. Common symptoms include:
- Numbness and tingling in the feet or hands
- Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in affected areas
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Muscle weakness, especially in the feet
These symptoms can be constant or may come and go.
Causes Diagnosis
There are many potential causes, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and autoimmune disease. Sometimes, neuropathy can also be linked to an underlying cancer. An increasing proportion of neuropathies are being found to be genetic, e.g. Charcot Marie Tooth neuropathy.
Early diagnosis can help the management of Peripheral Neuropathy. Some of the diagnostic tests include:
- Blood Tests: To detect underlying conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or liver or kidney problems.
- Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (EMG): To assess how well the body’s electrical signals are travelling to the muscles.
- MRI or CT scans: To look for herniated disks or tumors in the spine.
- Nerve Biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of nerve tissue is examined to look for abnormalities.
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Options
The treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy aims to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause. Options include:
- Medication: Pain related to Peripheral Neuropathy may be treated with specific drugs known as neuropathic pain agents.
- Physical Therapy: For muscle weakness, physical therapy can help improve mobility.
- Lifestyle Changes: For those with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels can alleviate symptoms.
- Surgery: In cases where neuropathy is caused by pressure on nerves, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure.
Consulting with a Peripheral Neuropathy specialist can provide you with a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They have the expertise to navigate through the treatment options and pinpoint what will work best for you.
Peripheral Neuropathy can significantly impact daily living, but its effects can be managed with the right approach. If you’re experiencing signs of Peripheral Neuropathy, don’t hesitate to seek formal evaluation and treatment.
Appointments and More Information
Professor Hanna is an internationally recognised expert in muscle wasting neurological conditions and has published over 400 research articles on neurological subjects including neuromuscular diseases, mitochondrial diseases, channelopathies, inclusion body myositis, myasthenia gravis and motor neurone disease.
If you are concerned about your symptoms and would like to arrange a neurological assessment, or wish to discuss your mitochondrial disease diagnosis and treatment, please make an appointment. Professor Hanna is available for private or NHS appointments.
NHS Appointments
A letter of referral is required from your GP or NHS Practitioner. Referrals should be sent to my NHS Office.
NHS Office Address: Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square London WC1N 3BG NHS Office Enquiries Tel: 020 3448 8014/8251 Fax: 020 3448 3633
Private Appointments:
A letter of referral may be required for private patients who have Private Medical Insurance (PMI). Self-paying patients can self-refer.
Private Office Address: The Private Consulting Rooms The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square London WC1N 3BG Private Office Appointments and Enquiries Tel: 020 3448 8935 Fax: 020 3448 8816
Please view the Terms & Conditions for more information.