Peripheral Neuropathies

Neuropathy is damage to peripheral nerves – those that branch from the brain and spinal cord. Nerve damage can happen for numerous reasons. With peripheral neuropathy, pain and other symptoms can be difficult to ignore. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, our neurologists can help you manage neuropathy symptoms.

Our neurologists specialize in diagnosing and managing all types of neuropathy, including rare and complex forms. If needed, we collaborate with other specialists, including hematologists, physiatrists and pain medicine specialists to provide the complete care you need. 

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by underlying medical conditions, inflammation, autoimmune disease, genetic disorders, infection or unknown reasons. 

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health delivers exceptional care for rare and common types of neuropathies, including: 

• Neuropathy related to underlying blood disorders: Certain rare blood disorders can damage peripheral nerves.
• Acquired or autoimmune demyelinating neuropathy: These conditions damage the nerves’ protective covering (myelin sheath), as in Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Vasculitic neuropathy: Inflammation in or damage to blood vessels that supply peripheral nerves causes this type of neuropathy.  
• Amyloid neuropathy: A buildup of abnormal protein deposits on peripheral nerves causes amyloid neuropathy. 
• Hereditary neuropathy: These nerve disorders are genetic, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
• Neuropathy due to underlying medical issues: Diabetes is the most common medical condition that causes neuropathy (diabetic neuropathy).
• Idiopathic neuropathy: These types don’t have a clear underlying cause but are often age-related.

Neuropathy can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, burning pain and a pins-and-needles sensation. Additional symptoms may include: 

• Poor balance and coordination 
• Autonomic symptoms, such as dizziness upon standing, blood pressure changes and excessive or lack of sweating 
• Feeling like you are wearing gloves or socks when you are not
• Muscle twitching or cramping
• Sensitivity to touch

Your evaluation starts by reviewing your medical and family history. We also ask about your symptoms and perform a physical and neurological exam to assess them. 

Testing might include nerve conduction studies and electromyography, available through our neurodiagnostic lab. A nerve biopsy involves taking a nerve tissue sample and examining it under a microscope. We might also recommend genetic testing for suspected hereditary or amyloid neuropathy. These are some of the many advanced studies available at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

Neurologists develop a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and symptom severity. Treatments may include select medications that have been proven safe and effective for neuropathic pain.  We may recommend immunotherapy for inflammatory, autoimmune neuropathy. You may also benefit from neurorehabilitation services that include balance therapy and braces to improve ambulation and prevent falls.

If standard medications for nerve pain are not successful, we offer advanced options, including: 

• Interventional pain management: You may benefit from injections that deliver medication directly to the source of your pain. Our health system is also one of the few in the Pacific Northwest offering advanced neuromodulating technologies. 
• Integrative medicine services enhance your body’s natural healing abilities using centuries-old techniques, such as acupuncture and mind-body techniques.

Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a peripheral neuropathy specialist near you.