Suggest Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted on Sun, 19 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 15 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My issuues in pain in my face, head, neck and running down my arms, i have had neck and head mris with nothing showing, the neurologist i saw put 6 noviacane shots in my head and 4 in my right shoulder, she has me on300mg of gabapentin 3 times a day and methocarbamol 500mg once a day at bed time it really doesnt help the pain makes me tired and dizzy so i end up napping which is the only time i have no pain

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Peripheral neuropathy should be assessed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

In my opinion, peripheral neuropathy should be assessed as a possible cause of your symptoms, since head and neck MRI-s were negative.

Peripheral neuropathy causes include Diabetes, vitamins B group deficiency, certain drugs ( cytostatics), autoimmune diseases, viral infections, toxic substances ( heavy metals).

Nerve conduction study ( EMG and ENG) help in confirmation/exclusion diagnosis.

I suggest you to discuss with your Neurologist about above mentioned possibilities and tests needed to achieve a correct diagnosis of your condition.

Treatment depends on a correct diagnosis.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (44 hours later)

She is taking me off the gabapentin, and putting me on a narcotic hydrocone instead which is still not helping with the pain, do you have a suggestion for the pain? I want to be careful as addiction seems to run in my family. Also she stated that i have a condition which my brain is larger than my skull chairi I malformation and i was born with this malformation which could be causing pressure, she also stated menopause could be causing issues but did not explain how. She tested me for lyme which was negative and checked my thyroid which she stated was normal. The scheduledd a test for carpal tunnel EMG in my right arm but not till XXXXXXX Any additional informatiin would be helpful, besides you i am seeking an opinion on may 4th, as i am out if work due to this pain and my arms hurting so much as my job is sitting in front if a computer screen and typing and using a mouse, the longer i am out of work the less likely i will gave the job, thanks for any information. Also what is peripheral nueropathy?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chiari malformation should be treated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking back.

You mentioned in the first question that MRI were negative.

If your Doctor said you have Chiari malformation, this is diagnosed by MRI of head and spine.

If evidence of Chiari malformation on MRI and correlation of neurologic findings by examination, then Chiari malformation is causing your symptoms and should be treated by decompressive surgery.

I suggest you to have a neurosurgical opinion about this issue.

Neuropathy is damage of peripheral nerves by different conditions.

Pain killers only relieve symptoms and don't cure Chiari malformation.

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj