Radicular Symptoms with Diabetes
Diabetes is an overwhelming condition that can cripple even the healthiest suffering from this issue. With over 29.1 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, it is one of the most prevalent and life-altering medical conditions that most patients face to this day. Diabetic neuropathy, a condition that is the result of diabetes, can wreak havoc on the lives of those who suffer from its effects. Dr. Adamo, our neurologist in Amityville, NY, is here to help you should this issue occur. He’ll be able to diagnose your condition, then take you down the correct path for treatment.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a specific type of nerve damage that occurs due to high blood sugar associated with diabetes. The symptoms people face when dealing with this condition range from minor to extremely painful and debilitating. Though numbness in your legs and feet are the most common issues associated with diabetic neuropathy, other areas of the body that can experience problems may include some of the following:
- Digestive system.
- Urinary tract.
- Heart.
- Blood vessels.
Symptoms:
When suffering from diabetic neuropathy, you can fall into four different classifications. Determining which one you are dealing with will help our neurologist in Amityville, NY, formulate the best techniques to help manage your condition. The four classifications of diabetic neuropathy include:
Peripheral Neuropathy:
The most common form of this condition, peripheral neuropathy, first affects the feet and hands before moving to the arms and legs. Symptoms of this neuropathy typically worsen at night and include:
- Sharp pains or cramps.
- Burning or tingling sensations.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of reflexes.
Autonomic Neuropathy:
This occurs when diabetes affects the nerves in your autoimmune system. As a result, you may begin to experience the following:
- Bladder problems.
- Constipation.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Issues controlling body temperature.
- Irregular sweating.
Radiculoplexus Neuropathy:
The nerves in your thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs are the ones that sustain damage in this form of neuropathy. It is typical for all the symptoms you experience to remain on one side of the body; however, in some cases, they can spread to the other. Common signs to look for in this condition include:
- Difficulty getting up from a seated position.
- Swelling of the abdomen.
- Shrinking of the thigh muscles.
- Severe pain in the legs or hip.
Mononeuropathy:
The final form of neuropathy takes place when only one nerve in the face, body, or leg sustains damage. It is more common in adults, and will usually strike suddenly and cause severe pain. Depending on which nerve is damaged, you may suffer from:
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, front of the thigh, or lower back.
- Double vision.
- Aching behind the eye.
- Paralysis on one side of the face.
When To Visit Our Neurologist in Amityville, NY:
At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, we’re committed to helping all of our patients deal with any afflictions caused by nerve damage. Dr. Adamo, our neurologist in Amityville, NY, has a variety of tests at his disposal that he can use to determine the amount of damage you have sustained and come up with the best course of action. If you’ve been affected by any of the below, consider contacting us right away:
- Sensations of buzzing, tingling, or weakness that affects your everyday life.
- Unusual amounts of dizziness.
- Changes in digestion, urination, or other bodily functions.
Nassau Suffolk Neurology:
Nerve health plays a direct role in a person’s quality of life. When they become damaged and begin to make life irritable, they can quickly put a damper on anyone’s mood. When you suspect diabetic neuropathy has begun to surface in your life, Dr. Adamo will be there to provide some of the best neurological care in the Amityville area. He can evaluate which nerves have been affected, the level of severity, and the next steps needed for management!