Almost everyone has experienced the numbness and pins-and-needles sensations that happen when a hand or a foot “falls asleep.” These feelings happen when pressure briefly interrupts a nerve; once the pressure is relieved, the symptoms fade.
Neuropathy can feel very similar at first — but it’s not temporary and the sensations don’t simply resolve on their own. Persistent numbness, tingling, or burning discomfort can be a sign of ongoing nerve damage, and understanding why it happens is the first step toward getting the right care.
At Integrated Neurology Services, we help patients who are struggling with neuropathy. Whether the symptoms are new or they’ve been developing for some time, our neuromuscular experts are here to guide you through diagnosis, testing, and treatment options.
Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction in one or more of your peripheral nerves, the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord. These nerves transmit information to and from your muscles and your brain, helping control sensation, movement, and even some automatic functions like heart rate.
When nerves are damaged or not working right, you may notice abnormal sensations like tingling, burning, or numbness. There are many possible causes, including:
Sometimes, no specific cause can be identified, and this is called idiopathic neuropathy.
Neuropathy can affect different nerves, and symptoms vary depending on which nerves are involved. For example, sensory nerves carry information about sensation. Damage can cause numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pains, or a feeling that you’re wearing a glove or sock when you’re not.
Motor nerves control muscle movement. When they’re affected, you may notice weakness, difficulty walking, or problems with coordination. Autonomic nerves control automatic functions like blood pressure, sweating, digestion, and bladder control. Damage can cause dizziness, sweating issues, or digestive problems.
You should consider seeing a neurologist if you notice symptoms like:
In most cases, people first experience neuropathy sensations in their feet or hands. The sensations often gradually spread as more nerve fibers are affected.
Neuropathy is complex, and we take a thorough, patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment at Integrated Neurology Services. We start with a detailed neurological exam, where we look at your reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, and coordination.
We talk through your symptoms, any health conditions you have (like diabetes), medications you’re taking, and lifestyle habits to help identify possible causes. We may also order blood tests, vitamin level checks, or imaging studies to look for underlying causes like metabolic disease or compression.
If necessary, we can perform an EMG (electromyography) or nerve conduction study. These tests help us measure how fast and how well your nerves conduct electrical signals, confirming nerve damage and pinpointing which nerves are affected.
Once we’ve identified neuropathy, our goal is to reduce symptoms, slow progression, and improve your quality of life. Treatment can include:
We also offer ongoing monitoring. Neuropathy can progress or change, so regular follow-up and repeat testing is important to make sure your treatment plan is working as it should.
At Integrated Neurology Services, our neuromuscular team specializes in diagnosing complicated nerve disorders, not just simple aches and tingles. We’re equipped to identify rare or hard-to-pinpoint neuropathies and offer tailored care based on your unique case.
By working closely with you, we can develop a treatment plan that addresses both your symptoms and potential underlying causes — so you can treat the condition, not just the symptoms.
Don’t ignore numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your extremities. Our team at Integrated Neurology Services can help you get answers, manage pain, and protect your quality of life. Call our offices in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, Virginia, at 703-313-9111 or send us a message online now.
