What is Peripheral Neuropathy and How Is It Treated? – Expert Insights from a Neurologist in Hyderabad
Peripheral neuropathy is a complex neurological condition affecting millions globally — and increasingly common in India due to rising rates of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. This often misunderstood disorder can cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and disability if not addressed early.
At Impact Speciality Clinic, one of the most trusted neurology centers in the city, Dr. Abhishek Miryala, a leading Neurologist in Hyderabad, helps patients manage peripheral neuropathy with modern diagnostics, personalized treatment, and compassionate care. Whether you’re dealing with burning feet, tingling hands, or unexplained weakness, this blog explains everything you need to know — from causes to cutting-edge treatment options.
🧠 What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves — the vast network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.
There Are Three Main Types of Peripheral Nerves:
- Sensory nerves – control sensation (touch, pain, temperature)
- Motor nerves – control muscle movement
- Autonomic nerves – regulate internal organs (e.g., blood pressure, digestion)
When one or more of these are damaged, patients experience a range of troubling symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life.
📊 How Common Is It?
According to clinical studies, approximately 8–10% of the Indian adult population may suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy — often due to diabetes, alcoholism, or B12 deficiency. Yet, many cases go undiagnosed due to poor awareness or misdiagnosis.
If you’re experiencing unusual nerve symptoms, consulting the Best Neurologist in Hyderabad at Impact Speciality Clinic ensures timely intervention and treatment.
🔍 What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?
Symptoms depend on the type and extent of nerve damage. Common signs include:
Sensory Symptoms:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” (paresthesia)
- Numbness, especially in feet or hands
- Burning or stabbing pain
- Loss of sensation (especially heat, cold, pain)
- Balance problems
Motor Symptoms:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Loss of coordination
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
Autonomic Symptoms:
- Dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Digestive issues
- Urinary problems
- Abnormal sweating
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to a Top Neurology Specialist in Hyderabad for early diagnosis.
⚠️ What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
There are over 100 potential causes of peripheral neuropathy. The most common include:
1. Diabetes (Diabetic Neuropathy)
The most frequent cause, accounting for over 50% of cases in India. High blood sugar damages nerves, especially in the feet.
2. Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficiencies in B1, B6, B12, and E can impair nerve health.
3. Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome attack the nervous system.
4. Infections
Viruses like HIV, Hepatitis C, or post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles) can damage nerves.
5. Toxic Exposure
Excessive alcohol, chemotherapy drugs, or heavy metals may trigger neuropathy.
6. Trauma or Compression
Injuries, repetitive motion, or herniated discs can compress peripheral nerves (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome).
7. Genetic Disorders
Some inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affect the peripheral nerves.
8. Tumors
Nerve compression from cancers or growths can lead to neuropathic pain.
A comprehensive workup by a Neurologist in Hyderabad like Dr. Abhishek Miryala is key to identifying the root cause.
🏥 How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and clinical examination. Tests may include:
1. Blood Tests
To check for diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune markers, and more.
2. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) & Electromyography (EMG)
Measures how well your nerves and muscles are functioning. Available at Impact Speciality Clinic under the supervision of a Top Neurology Specialist in Hyderabad.
3. MRI or CT Scans
Useful to assess nerve compression or structural issues.
4. Nerve Biopsy or Skin Biopsy
Rarely needed but helpful in specific types of neuropathy.
5. Quantitative Sensory Testing
To evaluate subtle sensory abnormalities.
Early diagnosis is crucial, especially if you also suffer from epilepsy, migraines, or Parkinson’s. In such cases, consulting a comprehensive expert like an Epilepsy Specialist in Hyderabad or Parkinson’s Disease Doctor in Hyderabad ensures coordinated care.
💊 What Are the Treatment Options?
1. Treat the Underlying Cause
- Diabetes: Tight blood sugar control with diet, insulin, or oral meds
- Vitamin deficiency: B12 or other supplements
- Infections: Antiviral or antibiotic therapy
- Autoimmune conditions: Steroids, IVIG, or immunosuppressants
2. Medications for Nerve Pain
- Pregabalin / Gabapentin: Often prescribed for diabetic and post-herpetic neuropathy
- Amitriptyline / Nortriptyline: Tricyclic antidepressants for neuropathic pain
- Duloxetine: FDA-approved for diabetic neuropathy
- Topical treatments: Capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches
These are best used under the care of the Best Neurologist in Hyderabad, who tailors the dosage and combinations for minimal side effects.
3. Physical Therapy
Improves strength, coordination, and reduces fall risk. Frequently advised alongside stroke recovery, hence neurologists with Stroke Specialist in Hyderabad experience are well-suited to guide it.
4. Occupational Therapy
Helps with day-to-day tasks like dressing, eating, or working with tools.
5. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Mild electrical currents relieve pain for some patients.
🌿 Complementary Approaches
- Acupuncture: Shown to improve symptoms in mild cases.
- Yoga & Tai Chi: Enhances balance and mind-body connection.
- Nutritional Counseling: Helps manage diabetes and vitamin levels.
Patients at Impact Speciality Clinic often benefit from this multidisciplinary approach, overseen by a Top Neurology Specialist in Hyderabad.
💡 New & Advanced Treatments
🔬 IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
Used in autoimmune neuropathies like CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy).
🧬 Stem Cell Therapy (Experimental)
Ongoing trials aim to regenerate damaged nerves.
⚡ Laser and Light Therapy
Still under research, but early data suggests improvement in diabetic neuropathy.
🧠 Neurostimulation Devices
Spinal cord stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain is a growing field.
As a progressive Parkinson’s Disease Doctor in Hyderabad, Dr. Abhishek Miryala brings the latest advancements in neurology to his patients.
🧍 Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference
✅ Exercise Regularly
- Boosts circulation and nerve repair
- Lowers blood sugar in diabetics
- Reduces pain perception
✅ Eat a Balanced Diet
- Include lean proteins, leafy greens, and whole grains
- Avoid processed foods and alcohol
✅ Quit Smoking
Nicotine restricts blood flow to the nerves.
✅ Limit Alcohol
Alcohol is neurotoxic and worsens neuropathy.
👩⚕️ Role of a Neurologist in Treatment
Many patients suffer silently or waste time trying alternative remedies before seeing a specialist. A Neurologist in Hyderabad is trained to:
- Identify the exact type and cause of neuropathy
- Customize a long-term treatment plan
- Coordinate care with other specialists (e.g., endocrinologists, rheumatologists)
- Provide access to rehabilitation, pain clinics, and psychological support
At Impact Speciality Clinic, this integrated care approach under one roof is what sets them apart — especially for those with overlapping conditions like stroke, epilepsy, or migraines. Whether you need a Migraine Doctor in Hyderabad or an Epilepsy Specialist in Hyderabad, this clinic ensures continuity of care.
🏥 Why Choose Impact Speciality Clinic?
- Experienced Neurologists: Led by Dr. Abhishek Miryala, one of the Best Neurologists in Hyderabad
- State-of-the-art Diagnostics: EMG, EEG, MRI
- Full-Spectrum Neurology Services: Stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and more
- Compassionate Patient Care: Personalized treatment with clear guidance
- Central Hyderabad Location: Easy access with ample appointment slots
📘 Case Study: From Debilitating Pain to Normalcy
A 52-year-old diabetic male visited Impact Speciality Clinic with severe burning in his feet and difficulty walking. After nerve conduction tests revealed diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Miryala initiated a combination of glycemic control, B12 supplementation, and pain medications. Within 3 months, the patient reported 80% improvement in symptoms and regained mobility.
✅ Conclusion: Early Action Changes Lives
Peripheral neuropathy can feel isolating and confusing, but you’re not alone — and it’s not untreatable. From accurate diagnosis to effective treatment, lifestyle planning to advanced interventions, the key is seeing the Top Neurology Specialist in Hyderabad at the right time.
Whether your symptoms are new or longstanding, don’t wait. Consult Dr. Abhishek Miryala at Impact Speciality Clinic, where expertise meets empathy in every step of your neurological journey.
