Neuropathies

Restoring Nerve Health and Relieving Pain

Your nerves connect your brain and spinal cord to every part of your body, carrying the sensations you feel and the commands that move your muscles. When these nerves become damaged or diseased – a condition known as neuropathy– you may experience tingling, numbness, weakness, or nerve pain that can disrupt your daily life. At HealthHub Clinics in Dubai, our neurology team specializes in diagnosing and treating neuropathies with compassionate, comprehensive care to help you regain comfort and function.

Neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness depending on which nerves are damaged. For many adults, neuropathy can arise from diabetes, injuries, or other medical conditions, and it should never be ignored. Early evaluation by an experienced neurologist in Dubai is crucial to prevent neuropathy from worsening and to relieve nerve pain effectively. We provide state-of-the-art peripheral neuropathy treatment tailored to your needs – focusing on both symptom relief and addressing the root causes of nerve damage. Whether you’re dealing with diabetic nerve damage or a pinched nerve from carpal tunnel syndrome, our expert team of neurologists in Dubai is here to help.

Understanding Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

Neuropathy is a general term for nerve damage affecting the peripheral nervous system. It occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (the peripheral nerves) are injured or not functioning properly. This damage disrupts the signals between your central nervous system and the rest of your body, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms and complications.

Neuropathy can involve different types of nerves. For instance, sensory nerves (responsible for feeling) may cause tingling, numbness, or burning sensations when damaged. Motor nerves (which control muscles) can produce muscle weakness, cramping, or loss of coordination. Damage to autonomic nerves (which regulate automatic functions) might lead to issues like dizziness upon standing, changes in sweating, or digestive problems. In many cases, neuropathy begins in the longest nerves in your body – such as those reaching your feet and hands – so symptoms often start in the extremities and move upward.

Types of Neuropathy

Neuropathy can take many forms. Some of the major types include:

Peripheral Neuropathy: The most common form of neuropathy, affecting the peripheral nerves (usually in the hands, feet, arms, or legs). It often causes numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), burning pain, or weakness in the extremities. Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), multiple individual nerves, or many nerves at once (polyneuropathy). For example, carpal tunnel syndrome – causing hand numbness – is a mononeuropathy affecting the wrist, while diabetic neuropathy typically presents as a polyneuropathy in both feet.
Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by diabetes. Persistently high blood sugar can damage nerves over time, leading to diabetic nerve damage in various areas of the body. The most common type of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet and legs, causing symptoms like numbness, burning foot pain, or loss of sensation. Good blood sugar control can help slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
Compression Neuropathies: These occur when a nerve is compressed or pinched by surrounding tissues, leading to pain and nerve dysfunction. Carpal tunnel syndrome – caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist – is a prime example, often resulting in hand numbness, tingling, and weakness. Other compression neuropathies include ulnar nerve compression at the elbow (which can cause tingling in the ring and little fingers) and peroneal nerve compression at the knee (which can lead to foot drop and shin numbness).
Cranial Neuropathies: Neuropathy isn’t limited to nerves in the limbs; it can also affect the cranial nerves that emerge from the brain. For example, Bell’s palsy is a facial nerve neuropathy that causes one-sided facial paralysis, and trigeminal neuralgia involves the trigeminal nerve and causes episodes of severe facial pain. Diabetes can sometimes lead to cranial neuropathies as well (such as double vision or eye movement problems if the nerves controlling the eye muscles are affected).
Focal Neuropathies: These are isolated neuropathies affecting a single nerve or a small group of nerves in one area (also called mononeuropathies). They often result from localized injury, pressure, or inflammation. An example of a focal neuropathy is a palsy of the radial nerve in the arm (sometimes called “Saturday night palsy”) leading to wrist drop, or an isolated peroneal neuropathy causing weakness in lifting the foot. Focal neuropathies tend to cause symptoms confined to one limb or region of the body.
Entrapment Neuropathies: A subset of compression neuropathies where nerves become trapped in a narrow passageway or constrained by surrounding structures. This term often overlaps with compression neuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome again is an example of an entrapment neuropathy (the median nerve is trapped in the carpal tunnel at the wrist). Other examples include tarsal tunnel syndrome (tibial nerve entrapment at the ankle) and cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow). Entrapment neuropathies typically cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the specific limb or area served by the compressed nerve.
Polyneuropathy: This describes a pattern of neuropathy affecting multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body, usually in a symmetric way. Most diabetic neuropathies are polyneuropathies, as are neuropathies caused by certain vitamin deficiencies, toxins, or chemotherapy. Symptoms often begin in both feet and progress up the legs (and sometimes to the hands). People with polyneuropathy may experience numbness, burning or shooting pain, and loss of reflexes in the affected areas.

Causes of Neuropathy

Nerve damage can result from a variety of underlying issues. Some common causes of neuropathy include:

Diabetes: Chronic high blood sugar from diabetes is one of the most frequent causes of peripheral neuropathy. Over time, elevated glucose levels damage nerves, especially in the feet and legs.
Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins, especially B vitamins (such as B12 or B6) and vitamin E, can lead to neuropathy. For example, B12 deficiency is well-known to cause nerve damage if not addressed.
Chronic Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerves (alcoholic neuropathy), partly due to poor nutrition and the toxic effects of alcohol on nerve tissue.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (including its chronic form CIDP) can cause the immune system to attack nerve fibers, resulting in neuropathy.
Infections: Certain infections can injure nerves. Examples include shingles (which can cause post-herpetic neuralgia), Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B or C. These can lead to pain or loss of function in affected nerve regions.
Hereditary Disorders: Genetic conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are inherited neuropathies. They cause gradual nerve degeneration and usually present with weakness and sensory loss in the extremities over time.
Physical Nerve Injury or Pressure: Trauma from accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cut, stretch, or compress nerves. Even prolonged pressure on a nerve (for instance, from repetitive motions or poor ergonomic posture) can cause neuropathic symptoms. A herniated disk in the spine that compresses nerve roots is another example (though this is often referred to as radiculopathy).
Toxins and Medications: Exposure to heavy metals (like lead or mercury) or certain industrial chemicals can damage nerves. Additionally, some medications – most notably certain chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment – have side effects that include peripheral neuropathy.
Kidney Disease and Other Metabolic Conditions: Chronic kidney failure, severe liver disease, or low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can contribute to neuropathy. These conditions may create an environment in the body that is harmful to nerve health.
Idiopathic Neuropathy: In some cases, no specific cause for neuropathy can be identified. This is known as idiopathic neuropathy. Even without a known cause, many treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.

Diagnosis of Neuropathy

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective neuropathy treatment. At HealthHub Clinics, our neurologists perform a thorough evaluation to determine if neuropathy is present and to uncover the underlying cause. This includes:

Clinical Examination: We begin with a detailed medical history and neurological exam. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review any relevant conditions (like diabetes or injuries), and assess your nerve function. During the exam, we check your reflexes, muscle strength and tone, sensation to touch/vibration, and coordination. This helps pinpoint which nerves or nerve groups are affected.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and EMG: If neuropathy is suspected, we may perform electrodiagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies (which measure how fast and strong your nerves conduct electrical signals) and electromyography (EMG, which tests the electrical activity of your muscles). These tests can confirm the presence of neuropathy, determine its severity, and distinguish between nerve and muscle disorders.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests are often used to identify treatable causes of neuropathy. Depending on your case, we might check your blood sugar levels (to screen for diabetes or prediabetes), vitamin B12 and other vitamin levels, thyroid function, kidney/liver function, and markers of autoimmune diseases or infections. These tests help reveal any metabolic or systemic issues contributing to nerve damage.
Imaging Studies: In certain situations – for example, if a compression neuropathy or spinal issue is suspected – imaging tests like an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound may be recommended. These can reveal a herniated disc, nerve compression sites (like in the wrist or elbow), or tumors that might be pressing on nerves.
Specialized Tests: Occasionally, additional tests are used to evaluate specific types of nerve fibers. For instance, a skin biopsy can measure the density of small nerve fibers in the skin (helpful in diagnosing small-fiber neuropathy), though this is rarely needed. Rest assured, we only order tests that are necessary to clarify your diagnosis.

Using these tools, our neurologists will determine not only if you have neuropathy, but also what type and why. This precise diagnosis guides our treatment plan.

Treatment and Management of Neuropathy

While not all neuropathies can be completely cured, many can be effectively managed to improve your symptoms and quality of life. At HealthHub Clinics, we take a holistic approach to neuropathy treatment, aiming to relieve your discomfort, restore function, and address the underlying cause of nerve damage. Our comprehensive neuropathy management includes:

Addressing Underlying Causes: Treating the root cause is crucial. If your neuropathy is caused by diabetes, improving blood sugar control is a top priority. If a vitamin deficiency is to blame, we’ll supplement and adjust your diet accordingly. For autoimmune-related neuropathies, appropriate medications (like immunotherapies) may be used to reduce nerve inflammation. By managing conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or nutritional deficiencies, we can slow or even stop the progression of neuropathy.
Medications for Nerve Pain: Neuropathic pain often requires specialized medications. Our neurologists may prescribe medications known to help with nerve pain, such as anticonvulsants (for example, gabapentin or pregabalin) or certain antidepressants (such as duloxetine), which work by calming overactive nerves. Topical treatments like capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches can also provide localized relief for some patients. In cases of severe pain, other pain-management strategies will be explored to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications: Physical therapy can be very beneficial, especially if neuropathy has led to muscle weakness or balance problems. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and maintain mobility. Occupational therapy can help you adapt daily activities and maintain independence if you’re dealing with numbness in the hands or feet. We’ll also advise you on lifestyle changes – for example, proper foot care is essential for diabetic neuropathy to prevent sores or injuries, and ergonomic adjustments at work can relieve pressure on nerves for compression neuropathies. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol excess can all support nerve health.
Assistive Devices: Depending on your symptoms, we might recommend assistive devices to improve your safety and comfort. For instance, if you have foot drop or significant balance issues, ankle-foot orthotics (braces) can help stabilize your gait. Hand splints (like wrist splints for carpal tunnel syndrome) can relieve nerve pressure. Even using a cane or walker for a short time might prevent falls while you undergo therapy to improve your strength. Our goal is to keep you active and secure.
Advanced Interventions: In certain cases of entrapment or compression neuropathies that don’t improve with conservative measures, minor procedures or referrals for surgery may be considered. For example, severe carpal tunnel syndrome might be alleviated by a surgical release of the median nerve. Our team will coordinate with orthopedic or neurosurgery specialists when needed. Additionally, for some patients, treatments like nerve blocks or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be explored to control pain. We’ll discuss all available options with you to create an optimal treatment plan.

Don’t Ignore Nerve Pain: It’s important to remember that if you notice signs of neuropathy, seeking medical care promptly is vital. Early diagnosis and treatment give you the best chance to control your symptoms and prevent further nerve damage. Our neurologists emphasize early intervention – the sooner we address your neuropathy, the better the potential outcome in terms of pain relief and nerve preservation.

Throughout your care, we emphasize compassionate, patient-centered service. Coping with neuropathy can be challenging, but you’re not alone – our team will support you at every step. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in your treatment plan. Our mission is to combine medical expertise with a caring approach, so you feel heard, informed, and confident as we help you on the path to relief from neuropathy.

Why Choose HealthHub Clinics?

Extensive Experience
Advanced Facilities
Affordable premium services
Trusted Al-Futtaim brand

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy

is a general term for nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. It causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain – especially in the hands and feet – due to disrupted signals between the nerves and the brain/spinal cord.

How is neuropathy treated?

Peripheral neuropathy treatment

is tailored to the individual. It often involves a combination of approaches: addressing the underlying cause (for example, controlling diabetes or correcting a deficiency), medications to calm nerve pain, and therapies like physical therapy to maintain strength and balance. Lifestyle changes – such as regular exercise, good nutrition, and avoiding nerve toxins – also play a role. The goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.