What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness — usually starting in the feet. Most causes are TREATABLE: diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, alcohol, hypothyroidism, autoimmune conditions, and certain drugs. A proper work-up identifies the cause in 70-80% of cases.
When a second opinion really helps
- You were told 'it's diabetes' without testing for B12, thyroid, or autoimmune causes.
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and EMG were never done.
- Treatment was just gabapentin / pregabalin — no plan to address the cause.
- Symptoms started suddenly or are progressing fast (suspect Guillain-Barré, vasculitis).
Red flags — call 108 / 102 immediately
- Rapid weakness (days to 2 weeks) — Guillain-Barré is a medical emergency
- Asymmetric weakness or pain (suspect mononeuropathy multiplex)
- Foot ulcers or wounds that don't heal (severe diabetic neuropathy)
- Combined upper + lower limb weakness with bladder symptoms (rule out spinal cause)
Frequently asked questions
Yes — if the underlying cause is treated early. B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, autoimmune neuropathies (CIDP), and alcohol-related neuropathy can all improve substantially. Diabetic neuropathy stabilises with tight glucose control.