Question 1

folic acid blood test --am i'm being tested for peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

No: Peripheral neuropathy is discovered on history and physical exam, perhaps with confirmatory electric nerve studies  Folic Acid deficiency will cause general ill-health, mental slowing, and anemia more than a peripheral neuropathy despite claims of "independent thinkers."  some people need more Folic Acid than others, even though uncle sam now supplements flour with it.

Question 2

what are diabetic neuropathies?

Accepted Answer

Poor nerve function: Nerve disease/damage thought to be caused by poor blood supply to nerves &/or high blood sugar. There are 2 types of neuropathy: peripheral and autonomic. Peripheral causes loss of feeling in hands/feet, weakness & imbalance. This can lead to wound development & possible amputation. Autonomic leads to heart problems, problems w/ body temp, erectile dysfunction, dry skin, & digestive problems.

Question 3

what treats neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Most Rx limited help: The central  nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord; all the nerves to the rest of the body stem from the cns, and is called peripheral nervous system; neuropathy (n) is a disorder of the peripheral nerves. Examples are diabetic neuropathy, alcohol-induced n. And carpal tunnel, a n. Of the median nerve in the wrist. Gabapentin, lyrica, (pregabalin) tegretol etc may help but no cures, yet.

Question 4

how to manage neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Nerve symptoms: Peripheral neuropathy can be secondary to numerous causes.  It is best to uncover the cause and treat directly.  To treat symptoms, doctors might use gabapentin, lyrica, (pregabalin) or cymbalta, but a medical food such as metanx might be useful.

Question 5

best thing for neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Give me the reason: Best treatment for neuropathy will stem out of its cause. If diabetic, adequate diabetes control is paramount. Other meds may be lyrica, (pregabalin) cymbalta, neurontin, tricyclics. If slipped lumbar disc, treat that first, either conservatively or surgically. B12 deficiency will need to be replenished and so on.

Question 6

does neuropathy come and go?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Almost any disease process has its ups and downs, especially dependent upon the cause of the neuropathy.

Question 7

different types of neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Many types!: Diabetes, B12 deficiency, heavy metal toxicity, drugs (medication side effects), vasculitis associated with autoimmune diseases are all causes.  However, most types are idiopathic, meaning no cause is found.  Excellent relief can be found with cymbalta, lyrica, savella, (milnacipran) and off-patent gabapentin.

Question 8

what are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Quit few: The symptoms are gradual onset of numbness and tingling in your feet or hands, which may spread upward into your legs and arms, burning pain, sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch, lack of coordination muscle weakness or paralysis if motor nerves are affected, bowel or bladder problems if autonomic nerves are affected.

Question 9

what foods should i avoid for neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

No specific foods: While no foods will improve your neuropathy, unless you have a vit b deficiency, keeping the factors that caused the neuropathy in control are most important. For example, patients with diabetic neuropathy need to keep their sugars under control to decrease the risk of progression of their neuropathy. Diabetics should try eating healthier, lower glycemic foods. Hope that helps!

Question 10

what does the pain feel like in neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Different people describe it differently. Some say burning, others electric, others tingling, others numbness, or a seemingly paradoxical painful numbness. Still others might just say ache or cramp. In general it will first occur in the feet and gradually work up to the calves. Then the hands can be affected. When present it's very important to check feet carefully & often for cuts, scratches, etc.

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Folate and neuropathy

A member asked:

Folic acid blood test --am i'm being tested for peripheral neuropathy?

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What are diabetic neuropathies?

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What treats neuropathy?

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How to manage neuropathy?

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Best thing for neuropathy?

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Does neuropathy come and go?

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Different types of neuropathy?

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What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

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What foods should i avoid for neuropathy?

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What does the pain feel like in neuropathy?

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