Question 1

What is Peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition involving damage to the peripheral nervous system, which can cause pain, weakness, and numbness, typically in the hands and feet. It is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, and toxic exposures that damage nerve fibers. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for identifying nutritional deficiencies that cause peripheral neuropathy.

Question 2

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves from multiple factors including thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. Thiamine deficiency damages nerve cells because vitamin B1 is essential for nerve metabolism and proper nerve signal transmission. Diabetes causes nerve damage through prolonged high blood sugar levels that injure nerve fibers and blood vessels supplying the nerves. Identifying the specific cause through blood testing is crucial for effective treatment and preventing further nerve damage.

Question 3

What is the best test for peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important blood test for peripheral neuropathy because it detects thiamine deficiency, a well-established and treatable cause of nerve damage. This advanced test uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology to precisely measure vitamin B1 levels in your blood. Low thiamine levels directly cause nerve damage throughout the peripheral nervous system, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness in the hands and feet. While peripheral neuropathy itself is diagnosed through clinical examination and nerve conduction studies, blood testing for thiamine and other deficiencies is essential for identifying the underlying cause and guiding treatment to prevent further nerve damage.

Question 4

When should I get tested for peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience tingling, burning, or numbness in your hands or feet, unexplained weakness in your limbs, sharp or jabbing pain that worsens at night, or extreme sensitivity to touch. Testing is especially important if you have risk factors like diabetes, drink alcohol regularly, have a history of vitamin deficiencies, take certain medications, or have been exposed to toxins. Early detection through blood testing can identify treatable causes like thiamine deficiency before permanent nerve damage occurs, making prompt testing crucial for preserving nerve function.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms include gradual onset of numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations in your feet or hands that spread upward into your legs and arms. You might experience sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, lack of coordination and falling, muscle weakness, and feeling like you are wearing gloves or socks when you are not. Some people also experience heat intolerance, excessive sweating or inability to sweat, bowel or bladder problems, and blood pressure changes. The symptoms typically affect both sides of the body and worsen at night, significantly impacting quality of life and daily activities.

Question 6

Who is at risk for peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes are at highest risk for peripheral neuropathy, as high blood sugar damages nerves over time. Individuals who regularly consume alcohol, have thiamine or other vitamin B deficiencies, have autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or have kidney or liver disease face elevated risk. People exposed to toxins, those taking certain chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics, individuals with infections like Lyme disease or hepatitis C, and those with a family history of neuropathy are also at increased risk. Older adults and people with repetitive motions or pressure on nerves from their occupation have higher likelihood of developing peripheral neuropathy.

Question 7

What happens if peripheral neuropathy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated peripheral neuropathy leads to progressive and potentially permanent nerve damage that worsens over time. You may lose sensation in your feet, increasing risk of unnoticed injuries, infections, and ulcers that can lead to serious complications requiring amputation in severe cases. Muscle weakness can progress to disability, affecting your ability to walk, maintain balance, and perform daily activities independently. Chronic pain can become debilitating, impacting sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life. When peripheral neuropathy results from a treatable cause like thiamine deficiency, early detection and treatment through blood testing can prevent these serious complications and may even reverse some nerve damage.

Question 8

Can peripheral neuropathy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly diagnose peripheral neuropathy itself, but they are essential for identifying the underlying causes of nerve damage. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test detects thiamine deficiency, a common and treatable cause of peripheral neuropathy. Additional blood tests may check for diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, kidney or liver dysfunction, autoimmune markers, and infections that damage nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through clinical examination, medical history, and nerve conduction studies, but blood testing plays a crucial role in uncovering treatable causes and guiding effective treatment to prevent further nerve damage.

Question 9

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. If blood tests reveal thiamine deficiency, vitamin B1 supplementation and dietary modifications can prevent further nerve damage and may improve symptoms. For diabetic neuropathy, blood sugar control is essential. Medications including pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin or pregabalin, and certain antidepressants help manage nerve pain. Physical therapy improves muscle strength and coordination, while occupational therapy helps you adapt daily activities. Treating the root cause identified through blood testing is crucial, as it can slow progression, prevent further damage, and in some cases like nutritional deficiencies, potentially reverse some nerve damage.

Question 10

How can I prevent peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent peripheral neuropathy by managing underlying conditions through regular blood testing to detect and correct vitamin deficiencies, especially thiamine and vitamin B12. Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or prediabetes, limit alcohol consumption or avoid it entirely, eat a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, and maintain a healthy weight. Protect yourself from toxins and chemicals, exercise regularly to improve blood flow to nerves, avoid repetitive motions that compress nerves, and review medications with your doctor for nerve-damaging side effects. Regular checkups and blood work help detect risk factors early, allowing intervention before permanent nerve damage occurs.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches that support nerve health include ensuring adequate thiamine intake through whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean meats, or taking vitamin B complex supplements if deficiency is confirmed by blood testing. Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, may reduce nerve pain and improve nerve function. Regular exercise improves blood circulation to damaged nerves, while warm baths can temporarily relieve pain and tingling. Capsaicin cream from chili peppers may reduce pain when applied topically. Acupuncture and massage therapy help some people manage symptoms. However, these natural remedies work best when combined with medical treatment addressing the underlying cause identified through blood testing, making proper diagnosis essential for effective management.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Peripheral Neuropathy Blood Test

What is Peripheral neuropathy?

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

What is the best test for peripheral neuropathy?

When should I get tested for peripheral neuropathy?

References

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