Idiopathic Neuropathy
Sometimes peripheral neuropathy seems to happen for no particular reason. Doctors call this disorder “idiopathic,” which means means that no etiology has been identified despite appropriate investigations. 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.
Idiopathic Neuropathy Symptoms
(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 feelings of faintness when standing.
Evaluation & Tests
(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.)
- Physical examination
- Neurological exam
- Electromyography
- Nerve conduction velocity test
- Standardized tests to measure:
- Muscle strength
- Loss of function of sensory and autonomic nerves
- Blood Test – Blood tests are commonly employed to check for vitamin deficiencies, toxic elements and evidence of an abnormal immune response. Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may request certain laboratory tests to identify potentially treatable causes for neuropathy. These include tests for:
- Vitamin B12 and folate levels
- Thyroid, liver and kidney functions
- Vasculitis evaluation
- Oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c
- Antibodies to nerve components (e.g., anti-MAG antibody)
- Antibodies related to celiac disease
- Lyme disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C and B
- full blood count
- immunoglobulin levels and electrophores
- serum angiotensin converting enzyme, immunological tests that include ANA, anti-dsDNA, antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and ENA panel
Idiopathic Neuropathy Treatment
(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.)
Treatment focuses on relieving pain by reducing inflammation, slowing joint and bone damage and improving the ability to function with the disease.
- 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)
See also...
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Did You Know?
FPN's Biobank is Invaluable
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy hosts the only biobank for peripheral neuropathy in the whole world!
The Peripheral Neuropathy Research Registry (PNRR) is a unique and invaluable resource to researchers and patients alike. This biobank is a set of patient data and samples intended for research use. With new research, there is always new opportunity for advancements in treatment and prevention strategies.