How to Diagnose Neuropathy

Neuropathy affects the body's nervous system. While there are several forms of nerve damage associated with this disease, peripheral is the most common. The lower extremities (feet and legs) are the areas that are impacted. Early diagnosis of neuropathy is important to lower the potential for permanent damage.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Neurological examination
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Nerve conduction velocity test (NCV)

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand neuropathy and its effects on the body. In cases of neuropathy, the function of a nerve(s) is damaged. Often the result of diabetes, this disease can cause disability, amputation, mobility and ulcers on lower limbs.

• 2

  Know that symptoms associated with neuropathy include tingling, numbness, aching muscles, weakness, loss of sensation and pain that results from common things, such as wearing shoes and socks.

• 3

  Contact your physician if you experience any of these symptoms. He will compile your medical history, give you a physical examination and order other specialized tests that may be required to diagnose neuropathy.

• 4

  Confirm the presence of neuropathy by performing a detailed neurological exam that focuses on deep tendon reflexes, gait and coordination. The exam may reveal early indicators of the disease, such as nerves not responding normally to knee and ankle jerk tests or shifting from a reclining to a sitting position lowers your blood pressure.

• 5

  Complete an electromyography (EMG) and a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV). An EMG records muscle tissue's electrical activity and is useful in differentiating neuropathy from myopathy, or muscle disease. An NCV determines the speed at which impulses travel through the nerves.

• 6

  Determine if any medications you are taking for other conditions including heart or blood pressure prescriptions, chemotherapy, antibiotics, anticonvulsants or gout are causing the neuropathy.