How do neurologists treat nerve pain?

Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®).

What does a neurologist do for nerve pain?

Since neurologists are basically nerve experts, they are able to effectively determine if your pain is being caused by nerve damage or compression. Furthermore, a neurologist can use certain diagnostic tests to pinpoint the specific location of the affected nerve, which allows for more direct treatment.

Can a neurologist detect nerve damage?

By measuring the electrical activity they are able to determine if there is nerve damage, the extent of the damage and potentially the cause of the damage. Frequently the neurologist will recommend common, noninvasive neurological evaluations such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing.

Do neurologists handle nerve damage?

A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. When you're facing serious conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS, it's critical to find the right doctor for you.

What is the most effective treatment for neuropathic pain?

SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine at the synaptic level. Duloxetine is the most effective in reducing neuropathic pain.

Treatment for Nerve Pain

What is the number one medicine for neuropathy?

The most effective treatment was nortriptyline. Of the study subjects taking this medication, 25% reported their discomfort improved by at least 50%. The least effective treatment was pregabalin: only 15% of study subjects reported that much improvement. Side effects were common with all of the treatments.

What are four common types of neuropathic pain?

The most common causes for neuropathic pain can be divided into four main categories: disease, injury, infection, and loss of limb.

Can an MRI show nerve damage?

Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings. The MRI scan images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves. No harmful ionizing radiation is used.

What does a neurologist do on your first visit?

During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.

What doctor should I see for nerve pain?

Experts generally recommend starting with your primary care doctor if you think you're experiencing nerve pain. Still, many patients may also need to see a neurologist – a doctor specializing in the nervous system – to determine the cause of nerve pain.

What are the signs of nerve damage?

What does a neuro exam consist of?

The neurologic examination is typically divided into eight components: mental status; skull, spine and meninges; cranial nerves; motor examination; sensory examination; coordination; reflexes; and gait and station. The mental status is an extremely important part of the neurologic examination that is often overlooked.

How is nerve damage treated?

Correcting nutritional deficiencies. Changing medications when drugs are causing nerve damage. Physical therapy or surgery to address compression or trauma to nerves. Medications to treat autoimmune conditions.

Should I see a neurologist for nerve pain?

If you or a loved one has unexplained symptoms that could be related to the brain or nervous system, your doctor may recommend a neurological exam with a specialist. Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles.

What is the most common cause of nerve pain?

Usually, it's damage from a physical injury or disease. Degenerative joint or disc disease in the spine with spinal cord or nerve compression are very common causes that nerve pain. Also a herniated disc can cause nerve pain. Cancer and other tumors can cause nerve pain.

Can neurologist prescribe pain medication?

Neurologists are 14th among all medical specialties prescribing opioids. At the same time, a large number of patients with neurologic disease are using opioids and suffering from the effects of overuse and abuse. The AAN supports the appropriate treatment of pain for neurologic patients living with pain.

What questions will a neurologist ask me?

Why would I be referred to a neurologist?

Neurologists are specialists who can assess, diagnose, manage, and treat conditions that affect your nervous system. Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you're having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors.

How do I prepare for a neurology appointment?

What happens if you have permanent nerve damage?

Damage to the nerves can make it harder to control muscles. It can also cause weakness. You may notice problems moving a part of your body. You may fall because your legs buckle.

Is there surgery for nerve damage?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves regrow.

Can I get disability for nerve damage?

Depending on the extent of damage to the nerve, it can heal on its own or become permanent, even with treatment. If you suffer from a condition that causes nerve damage that is so severe that it impacts your ability to work for at least a year, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

What triggers neuropathic pain?

What causes neuropathic pain? Common causes of neuropathic pain include nerve pressure or nerve damage after surgery or trauma, viral infections, cancer, vascular malformations, alcoholism, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

Does gabapentin heal nerve damage?

Gabapentin is approved to treat the type of nerve pain (neuralgia) that results from nerve damage. Gabapentin is used to treat neuralgia caused by a herpes zoster viral infection, also known as shingles. This pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it can be severe and chronic.

What is the most painful type of neuropathy?

Proximal neuropathy

This type of nerve damage is usually only on one side of the body and can affect the hip, buttock, or thigh. Proximal neuropathy can cause severe pain and difficulty with movement, as well as weight and muscle loss.