Because symptoms of acoustic neuromas often mimic other middle and inner ear conditions, diagnosis can be difficult. Doctors will usually start with an ear examination and hearing test and then order imaging scans of the head, such as a CT or MRI scan. Symptoms most commonly relate to cranial nerve eight, which controls hearing and […]

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic condition that can affect your brain, spinal cord and nerves. It also causes tumors on or under your skin. Some people inherit NF1 from their biological parents. But about half of all NF1 cases happen randomly, without family history. Your healthcare provider can diagnose NF with a physical exam and […]

Your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may order blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies like B12 deficiency and nutrient imbalances; exposure to toxins; and other conditions or medications that cause neuropathy. Doctors can treat many of the symptoms of neuropathy with over-the-counter painkillers, oral […]

Many diseases can cause neuropathies. These include autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Autoimmune neuropathies can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as in diabetes or from poor absorption of vitamins; metabolic disorders like kidney or liver disease; and blood problems that decrease oxygen flow to the nerves, […]

Hereditary Neuropathy is a group of inherited conditions that cause damage to nerves in the arms and legs. This causes problems with how you sense touch, pain and temperature. Some of these conditions, such as Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies, can make you very sensitive to physical pressure. This means carrying heavy bags […]

The genetic condition spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disorder that causes muscle weakness and wasting. It affects the motor neurons that send nerve signals to control muscle movement. Type 3 SMA (Kugelbert-Welander disease) is the mildest form of the condition. It becomes evident between 18 months and adulthood and doesn’t usually cause breathing […]

Degenerative Spine Disease occurs when the spinal disks begin to break down. This can lead to pain in the back and neck. The pain may also spread to other parts of the body. During this stage, the spinal disks lose fluid and dry out. They develop tiny cracks in their outer layers. Then, bone spurs […]

Blood clots (thromboses) are a normal part of blood flow but when they don’t dissolve or if you tend to form them you may have a condition called thrombophilia. It can be genetic (inherited) or acquired later in life. Some types of thrombophilia increase the risk of pregnancy problems such as high blood pressure in […]

Trigeminal Neuralgia symptoms include episodes of sharp, intense, stabbing pain in your face, usually on the right side. It can be triggered by touching your face, shaving, applying makeup, brushing teeth, and eating or drinking. TN is usually caused by a blood vessel pressing on a nerve that transmits sensations of touch and temperature to […]

Cervical Spondylosis is a common condition caused by wear and tear to the bones of the neck (vertebrae) and soft cushions of tissue in between them (discs). It usually causes no symptoms, but in some cases can lead to pain or numbness in your arms. It’s more common in people over 40, but can occur […]