Random Numbness: Is It a Sign of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Random Numbness: Is It a Sign of Peripheral Neuropathy?

If you are experiencing random numbness in your fingers, toes, or other extremities, you may suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, the giant network of nerves that send signals to and from the brain and spinal cord. It’s reported that 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that an additional 10 million Americans have this condition, but are undiagnosed.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be easily confused with the symptoms of other pain disorders—such as fibromyalgia or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—hence the high rate of misdiagnosis. In addition to random numbness, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• • Numbness in fingers, toes, or other extremities.
  • Weakness in the feet, or other extremities
  • Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the extremities
  • Loss of balance or coordination

The symptoms range from incredibly painful to very mild. Those with severe symptoms may find it challenging to lead a rich and fulfilling life, especially since traditional pain medications are often ineffective for nerve pain.

Treatments include, first and foremost, treating the underlying cause. Diabetes I and II are both leading causes of peripheral neuropathy since the blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can cause nerve damage. Alcoholism can also trigger the onset of numbness in fingers and toes, as can physical injury or trauma. Finally, random numbness can be a side effect of certain medications.

If addressing the root cause of your peripheral neuropathy is ineffective, a neuropathic pain agent may offer some relief. The International Anesthesia Research Society also reports that ketamine therapy is an effective treatment for the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.

If you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy and have not yet found an effective treatment for your symptoms, please contact us using the brief form below. Tahoe Ketamine offers ketamine for chronic pain conditions, including CRPS, phantom limb pain, and diabetic nerve pain. Find out if you are a candidate for ketamine therapy today!