Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It most often affects the feet and hands in a "stocking-and-glove" pattern, producing burning or electric pain, pins-and-needles, numbness, sensitivity to touch, and sometimes weakness or balance problems.

What causes neuropathy?

Diabetes is the most common cause in the United States, but neuropathy can also follow chemotherapy, shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, and nerve entrapment or injury. Identifying the cause matters, because treating it can slow or stop further nerve damage.

How is painful neuropathy treated?

Treatment combines management of the underlying cause with medications designed for nerve pain. When pain persists despite optimized medication, interventional options come into play: spinal cord stimulation is FDA-approved for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and has strong clinical evidence behind it, and peripheral nerve stimulation can target pain confined to a single nerve's territory. Dr. Eaddy will walk you through whether a stimulator trial makes sense for your pattern of pain.

How is neuropathy different from radiculopathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves themselves, usually affecting both feet or hands symmetrically. Radiculopathy is compression or irritation of a nerve root where it exits the spine — as in sciatica — and typically follows a single nerve's path down one limb. The distinction matters because evaluation and treatment differ, which is why a careful history and testing come first.

What symptoms may lead to a neuropathy evaluation?

Burning, electric pain, tingling, numbness, unusual sensitivity to light touch, weakness, or balance changes—especially in both feet or hands—may suggest peripheral neuropathy. Sudden one-sided weakness, rapidly progressive symptoms, or new bowel or bladder problems need prompt medical evaluation because they may have another cause.

Who is a candidate for interventional neuropathy care?

Candidates have a confirmed or strongly suspected neuropathic pain pattern that remains disabling after the underlying cause and appropriate medications have been addressed. Neuromodulation is considered selectively, usually after conservative options fail and only when a temporary trial can test whether meaningful relief is likely.

What are the risks and side effects of treatment?

Medication risks vary by drug and may include sleepiness, dizziness, swelling, or interactions. Stimulation procedures add risks such as infection, bleeding, lead movement, device malfunction, or rare nerve injury. A trial limits commitment but does not eliminate risk; Dr. Eaddy reviews the specific device and alternatives before treatment.

Does insurance or Medicare cover neuropathy treatment?

Coverage depends on the cause of neuropathy, treatment requested, prior therapies, and plan criteria. Medicare and many insurers cover medically necessary evaluation and may cover neuromodulation for selected diagnoses after required documentation and a successful trial. The office verifies benefits and authorization requirements before scheduling.

Before your visit

The questions above address symptoms, causes, diagnosis, candidacy, treatment options, risks, insurance, and the difference between neuropathy and a compressed spinal nerve. Your plan depends on the cause and pattern of nerve damage.

Trusted resources

Learn more about neuropathy from these independent medical sources:

• MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) — Peripheral Nerve Disorders
• NIDDK (National Institutes of Health) — Diabetic Neuropathy
• NINDS (National Institutes of Health) — Peripheral Neuropathy
• International Neuromodulation Society — Painful Peripheral Neuropathy fact sheet

Related care

Conditions and treatments connected to this page, all provided by Dr. Eaddy:

• Spinal Cord Stimulation — reversible neuromodulation with a try-first trial
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation — targeted relief for single-nerve pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome — early diagnosis and targeted neuromodulation for CRPS

Medically reviewed by Kenneth J. Eaddy, MD · Last reviewed: July 29, 2026