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Idiopathic Neuropathy
Sometimes peripheral neuropathy seems to happen for no particular reason.
Doctors call this disorder "idopathic", which means "of
unknown cause." Typically, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy occurs
in people over 60 years old; progresses slowly (or doesn't progress
at all after the initial onset); and it can be very disruptive to someone's
normal life and lifestyle.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)
You may feel these symptoms first in your feet and then possibly in
your shins:
- Numbness, tingling and pain
- Unsteady when standing, walking
- Muscle weakness (including weak ankles) or cramps
You may also experience these symptoms:
- Feelings of faintness when standing
EVALUATION AND TESTS
(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.)
- Physical examination
- Neurological
evaluation
- Electromyography
- Nerve
conduction velocity test
- Standardized tests to measure:
- Muscle strength
- Loss of function of sensory and autonomic nerves
- Blood
and urine tests to identify potentially treatable causes for neuropathy
(e.g., vitamin B12 and folate levels; thyroid, liver and kidney functions;
vasculitis evaluation); antibodies to nerve components (e.g., anti-MAG
antibody); antibodies related to celiac disease; Lyme disease; HIV/AIDS;
hepatitis C and B).
W
TREATMENT AND THERAPY
(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.)
- Over-the-counter
pain medication for mild pain
- For severe pain, take over-the-counter pain medication or prescription
drugs used for peripheral neuropathy, on a regular basis—rather
than waiting until nighttime when symptoms can become more severe
- Taking safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation
- Special therapeutic shoes (which may be covered by Medicare and
other insurance)
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