Millions Remain Undiagnosed (NAPSA)—Recent research ial may meanrelief for millions suf- fering from a neglected and fre- quently misdiagnosed disease that causes progressive, debilitat- ing pain. Although more than 20 million Americans have periph- eral neuropathy, often neither they nor their doctors know what it is. The neurological disorder, characterized by numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in the toes, feet or legs, is extremely common, yet extraordinarily difficult to diagnose, so treatment is often delayed. Part of the problem is that in It’s important, however, to make the diagnosis in the early stages of pathic, or unknown. Other causes include diabetes (nearly 60 per- then regenerate. The less the dam- many cases, the cause is idio- cent of diabetics suffer from the disorder), autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, exposure to toxic substances, cancer, use of certain medications such as chemotherapy, viral and bacterial infections. The good news: “With accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, the symptomsof peripheral neuropathy can often be managed and some- times eliminated,” according to Dr. Raymond P. Roos, professor and chairman, Department of Neurology and faculty member, Jack Miller Center for Peripheral Neuropathy at the University of Chicago. The Center was established in 2000 to not only treat patients, but diligently search for a cure for this common but elusive disease. cme! the disease. “Once the nerve dam- age is stopped, the nerves may age, the better the recovery, so the earlier peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed, the more effective therapy can be,” says Dr. Roos. Treatment, which depends on f neuropathy is diagnosed, the earlier the damage can be slowed or stopped. To learn more about the disorder online, visit the experts at http://peripheralneuropathy. bsd.uchicago.edu. Do You Have Any Of These Symptoms Of Peripheral Neuropathy? the type of neuropathy and the underlying cause, can involve close regulation of blood sugar levels for Weaknessin the armsor legs Numbnessor tingling in the toes, feet or legs A sensation of wearing an invisible glove or gammaglobulin or corticosteroids for autoimmunediseases, and pain medication to treat the constant Burning sensation or freezing-like pain diabetic neuropathy, intravenous discomfort that accompanies peripheral neuropathy. In addition, physical therapy can slow the progression of the disease. So if any of the symptoms in the accompanying checklist seem all too familiar to you, make an appointment promptly with your physician. The earlier peripheral sock Sharp,jabbingor electric-like pain Extremesensitivity to touch Difficulty sleeping because of feet and leg pain Loss of balance and coordination Muscle weakness Difficulty walking or moving the arms Abnormalities in blood pressure and pulse
