How Do You Test For Nerve Damage? - Fixanswer

Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination

and can be correlated by MRI scan findings. The MRI scan images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves. No harmful ionizing radiation is used.

Can you see neuropathy on MRI?

Because the vast majority of people with peripheral neuropathy (also called polyneuropathy) have the longest nerves of the body primarily affected (mostly in the toes and feet, but sometimes also in the hands),

there is essentially no justification for MRI of the brain or spine in

these cases.

Do you need an MRI for nerve damage?

An

MRI is helpful if your doctor suspects that disease or nerve damage is causing your pain

. I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” An MRI is helpful if your doctor suspects that disease or nerve damage is causing your pain.

How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?

By

measuring the electrical activity they

are able to determine if there is nerve damage, the extent of the damage and potentially the cause of the damage. Frequently the neurologist will recommend common, noninvasive neurological evaluations such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing.

How do you know if you have permanent nerve damage?

Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

.

Feeling like you're wearing

a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs. Regularly dropping objects that you're holding.

Can a blood test detect nerve damage?

A variety of blood tests may be performed to determine the cause of nerve damage. These tests may look for

high blood glucose levels

, diabetes onset, vitamin deficiencies, etc.

What if an MRI shows nothing?

The bottom line is that

not all pain is able to be detected

on an x-ray or MRI. That does not mean that there is nothing there that needs to be treated or diagnosed. In fact, it means that it is possibly a precursor to something going really wrong and then eventually needing surgery because it eventually winds up torn.

Can you see inflammation on an MRI?

MRI allows to assess the soft tissue and bone marrow involvement in case of inflammation

and/or infection. MRI is capable of detecting more inflammatory lesions and erosions than US, X-ray, or CT.

Can nerve damage be fixed?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut

completely

or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair

What are the symptoms of L5 nerve damage?

Pain, generally felt as a sharp, shooting, and/or searing feeling in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes.
Numbness in the foot and/or toes.

Is nerve damage reversible?

In many instances,

nerve damage cannot be cured entirely

. But there are various treatments that can reduce your symptoms. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is important to consult with a doctor when you first notice symptoms. That way you can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage.

What can a neurologist do for nerve pain?

Since neurologists are basically nerve experts, they are able to effectively determine if your pain is being caused by nerve damage or compression. Furthermore, a neurologist can use

certain diagnostic tests to

pinpoint the specific location of the affected nerve, which allows for more direct treatment.

What kind of doctor treats nerve damage?

Neurologists

are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease.

How serious is nerve damage?

Some nerve-related problems do not interfere with daily life. Others get worse quickly and may lead to long-term, severe symptoms and problems. When a medical condition can be found and treated, your outlook may be excellent. But sometimes,

nerve damage can be permanent

, even if the cause is treated.