What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, such as the arms, legs, and organs. When they’re damaged, it can lead to a variety of sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms.

Causes may include:

Diabetes (most common cause in the U.S.)
Chemotherapy
Infections (e.g., Lyme disease, shingles)
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Vitamin deficiencies (especially B12)
Alcohol abuse
Toxins or medications
Idiopathic (unknown cause)

Common symptoms:

Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) in hands or feet
Burning or sharp pain
Muscle weakness or cramping
Loss of coordination or balance
Sensitivity to touch
Changes in skin, hair, or nails (from autonomic nerve involvement)

How Can a Functional Neurologist Help?

At Sydney Neuro & Integrative Health we focus on non-invasive, brain- and nervous-system-based approaches to improve neurological function.

What we Do Differently:

Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation
- Functional neurologists often use in-depth neurological assessments to identify which areas of the nervous system are underperforming.
- They may assess eye movements, balance, reflexes, muscle tone, and coordination.
- Advanced nutrient / detoxigenomic / immune and metabolic assessments to uncover the disease process affecting your peripheral nerves
Neuroplasticity-Based Interventions
- The nervous system has the ability to reorganize and form new connections (neuroplasticity).
- Functional neurologists use targeted exercises and therapies to help “retrain” the brain and nerves.
Rehabilitation Techniques May Include:
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Eye movement therapy (oculomotor exercises)
- Different forms of electro-physical therapy approaches (PEMF, Low level laser, radiofrequency stimulation)
- Nutritional support (especially for B-vitamin deficiencies)
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing blood sugar in diabetic neuropathy)
Root-Cause Focus
- Unlike traditional approaches that may rely heavily on medication for symptom control, functional neurologists aim to identify and correct underlying dysfunction, where possible