By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer
- Bloodwork, including genetic predisposition test
A doctor will check for vitamin deficiencies, immune
responses, blood sugar levels and presence of infection.
- EMG
An electromyography measures muscle activity, telling the
neurologist if there’s any damage to the muscle, nerve or
junctions.
- Nerve conduction studies
By measuring the efficiency and speed of the nerve’s
electrical signals, it tells the neurologist if there are
any abnormalities.
- MRI
This rules out any other causes of neuropathy, such as
trauma.
- Lumbar puncture
A neurologist will have a spinal tap done to see if anything
is in the cerebral spinal fluid.
- Nerve or muscle biopsy
Only if very specific conditions are suspected will a biopsy
be performed.
Treatments and Therapy
The University of Chicago’s Center for Peripheral Neuropathy
offers these suggestions for treatment of hereditary neuropathy:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription drugs
- Avoid long activity on hands and knees
- Avoid crossing legs at the knee
- Avoid sitting with legs crossed
- Avoid sitting in one position too long
- Avoid holding the telephone in one position too long
- Avoid tying shoes too tight
- Avoid high heels which make toes numb (even 1-inch high)
- Take safety measures in case of loss of sensation
- Therapeutic shoes
In addition to treatments and therapy, there are some
self-care tips a person with hereditary neuropathy can implement
in their life.
The first is to take care of their feet. A caregiver should
make sure they are being checked daily for signs of blisters,
cuts or calluses. Tight shoes and socks may worsen pain and
tingling.
If your loved one smokes, you should strongly encourage them
to quit as smoking affects circulation, increasing foot
problems.
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