When this pain is not something your primary care physician can help you manage, you may choose to see a neurologist, especially if you have other symptoms along with the pain like weakness, numbness, or problems with bladder or bowel control.
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What kind of doctor do you see for numbness?
Make an Appointment if Your Numbness and/or Tingling is Ongoing. If you have been experiencing numbness and/or tingling that is ongoing, whether frequent or infrequent, contact a neurologist and check out the reason for the reaction.
Should I go to the doctor for numbness?
Go to a hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if: You have weakness or are unable to move, along with numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling occur just after a head, neck, or back injury. You cannot control the movement of an arm or a leg, or you have lost bladder or bowel control.
When should you see a neurologist for numbness?
Numbness or weakness that comes on suddenly or happens on one side of the body (if you think you are having a stroke, however, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately) Persistent (over weeks or months) or worsening numbness. Chronic muscle weakness or a rapid decline in muscle strength.
What is numbness a symptom of?
Numbness is caused by damage, irritation or compression of nerves. A single nerve branch or several nerves may be affected, as with a slipped disk in the back or carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist.
What happens if numbness doesn’t go away?
If the numbness won’t go away on its own or seems to come back again and again, it could be a sign that you’re dealing with something more serious than a limb that’s “fallen asleep.” You should also see a doctor if the numbness in your lower leg is accompanied by other symptoms, including: nausea. burning leg pain.
Can an MRI show nerve damage?
Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings. The MRI scan images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves. No harmful ionizing radiation is used.
Is numbness a serious problem?
Most cases of numbness are not serious. In more severe cases, it causes complications related to not feeling pain (for example, causing burns if unable to feel the pain from high heat) or being unaware of what’s happening to parts of the body (for example, falling if unable to feel the position of one’s feet).
What are signs of nerve damage?
The signs of nerve damage
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
- Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock.
- Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
- Regularly dropping objects that you’re holding.
- Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
- A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.
What kind of doctor treats nerve damage?
Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Dr.
How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?
Electromyography, or EMG, is used to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders, spinal nerve root compression, and motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMG records the electrical activity in the muscles. Muscles develop abnormal electrical signals when there is nerve or muscle damage.
What does neurologist do on first visit?
During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.
Do damaged nerves ever heal?
Nerves recover slowly, and maximal recovery may take many months or several years. You’ll need regular checkups to make sure your recovery stays on track. If your injury is caused by a medical condition, your doctor will treat the underlying condition.
Is numbness a neurological symptom?
Numbness refers to the partial or complete loss of sensation. It can be a symptom of nervous system malfunction. Neurologic symptoms—symptoms caused by a disorder that affects part or all of the nervous system—can… read more .
How do you treat numbness?
Home remedies
- Rest. Many of the conditions that cause leg and foot numbness, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.
- Ice. Ice can help reduce swelling that can put pressure on nerves.
- Heat.
- Massage.
- Exercise.
- Supportive devices.
- Epsom salt baths.
- Mental techniques and stress reduction.
What does MS feel like in the beginning?
Numbness or Tingling
A lack of feeling or a pins-and-needles sensation can be the first sign of the nerve damage from MS. It usually happens in the face, arms, or legs, and on one side of the body. It also tends to go away on its own.
What does anxiety numbness feel like?
You can experience anxiety-related numbness in a lot of ways. For some, it feels like pins and needles — that prickling you get when a body part “falls asleep.” It can also just feel like a complete loss of sensation in one part of your body. You might also notice other sensations, like: tingles.
How do neurologists treat nerve pain?
Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®).
Why do my hands go numb when I hold my phone?
Numbness in hands is a condition that many people experience. It can happen while a person sleeps, while talking on a phone or even driving a car. The numbness can be caused by increased pressure on a nerve in the palm of the hand. Many refer to this as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What is the strongest drug for nerve pain?
The most effective antidepressants for neuropathic pain are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
How long do damaged nerves take to heal?
If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of ‘rest’ following your injury. Some people notice continued improvement over many months.