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Suggest Treatment For Back And Leg Pain Caused By Neuropathy
Question: My son has a neuropathy not diagnosed as what one. He is in much pain - has poor balance - has to use a cane-moves slowly and painfully - tires easily - is 50 years old - is seeing many doctors and taking many prescriptions. Where can go to get a real diagnosis and appropriate treatment? He has pain in his back, legs, feet, and lately is complaining about his hand. His condition is definitely getting worse.
Brief Answer:
More information is needed
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern about your son.
The problem with neuropathy though is that it can have many many possible causes. At times the cause is evident like diabetes, alcohol abuse, toxin exposure, but often many tests are needed to search for it.
As a result it is difficult to speak about treatment when you provide no information on the tests that he has had, tests such as nerve conduction studies, electrolytes, complete blood count, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, vitamin B12 levels, Lyme, HIV testing etc. If he has had no such tests he should. I don't know what doctors have followed him, a neurologist should be the most appropriate one to examine him and guide him through the necessary tests.
What is frustrating about neuropathies is that even when all the necessary has been done, in up to 25% of cases no cause is found and treatment remains limited to addressing symptoms through medication for neuropathic pain. Hopefully a cause can be found and addressed in your son's case.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
More information is needed
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern about your son.
The problem with neuropathy though is that it can have many many possible causes. At times the cause is evident like diabetes, alcohol abuse, toxin exposure, but often many tests are needed to search for it.
As a result it is difficult to speak about treatment when you provide no information on the tests that he has had, tests such as nerve conduction studies, electrolytes, complete blood count, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, vitamin B12 levels, Lyme, HIV testing etc. If he has had no such tests he should. I don't know what doctors have followed him, a neurologist should be the most appropriate one to examine him and guide him through the necessary tests.
What is frustrating about neuropathies is that even when all the necessary has been done, in up to 25% of cases no cause is found and treatment remains limited to addressing symptoms through medication for neuropathic pain. Hopefully a cause can be found and addressed in your son's case.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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