Peripheral Neuropathy Testing Sydney
Expert Nerve Conduction Studies for Diagnosing Nerve Damage & Neuropathy
Book Your Neuropathy TestWhat is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry messages between your brain and the rest of your body. When damaged, they can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations, typically affecting the feet and hands in a "glove and stocking" pattern.
Common Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Burning Feet
Intense burning sensation in the feet, often worse at night. Many describe it as walking on hot coals or feeling like their feet are on fire.
Numbness & Tingling
Loss of sensation or pins-and-needles feeling starting in the toes and gradually moving up the legs. Some patients can't feel the ground beneath their feet.
Sharp, Stabbing Pain
Electric shock-like pain shooting through the feet and legs, often triggered by light touch or occurring spontaneously.
Sensitivity to Touch
Extreme sensitivity where even bedsheets touching your feet feels painful (allodynia). Simple touch becomes unbearable.
Balance Problems
Difficulty walking, frequent tripping or stumbling, especially in the dark when you can't see where your feet are.
Muscle Weakness
Weakness in the feet, legs, or hands. Difficulty climbing stairs, standing from a chair, or gripping objects.
Loss of Reflexes
Reduced or absent ankle reflexes, discovered during physical examination.
Temperature Sensitivity
Inability to sense temperature changes, increasing risk of burns or frostbite without realizing it.
Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment. Nerve conduction studies help determine the type and pattern of nerve damage, guiding your doctor to the underlying cause.
Metabolic & Endocrine
- Diabetes (most common cause)
- Pre-diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Autoimmune & Inflammatory
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren's syndrome
Infections
- Lyme disease
- Shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
Toxins & Medications
- Chemotherapy agents
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain antibiotics
- Heavy metal exposure
- Industrial chemicals
Hereditary
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Other inherited neuropathies
- Family history of nerve disorders
Other Causes
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
- Physical trauma or nerve compression
- Cancer-related
- Vascular disorders
How Nerve Conduction Testing Diagnoses Neuropathy
Nerve conduction studies are essential for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy. The test measures how well and how fast electrical signals travel through your nerves, helping identify:
Type of Nerve Damage
Determines whether the damage is to the nerve fiber (axon) or the insulating sheath (myelin), which affects treatment approach.
Severity Assessment
Quantifies how much nerve damage has occurred, from mild to severe, helping predict prognosis and guide treatment intensity.
Distribution Pattern
Maps which nerves are affected and in what pattern, providing clues about the underlying cause.
Progression Monitoring
Provides baseline measurements to track whether neuropathy is stable, improving with treatment, or worsening over time.
What to Expect During Your Neuropathy Test
Clinical Assessment (10 minutes)
Our neurologist reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, and performs a focused neurological examination of your affected areas.
Nerve Conduction Study (20-30 minutes)
Surface electrodes are placed on your skin over specific nerves in your legs and feet (and hands if needed). Small electrical pulses stimulate the nerves while we measure their response speed and strength. Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable tapping or twitching.
EMG Testing (If Indicated)
Some cases require electromyography (EMG) using fine needles to assess muscle health. This helps distinguish neuropathy from muscle diseases.
Results & Recommendations (10-15 minutes)
You receive immediate results and diagnosis. Our neurologist explains the findings, discusses the likely cause, and recommends next steps including further testing if needed, treatment options, and referrals to specialists.
Comprehensive Report
A detailed report with findings and recommendations is sent to your referring doctor the same day to coordinate your ongoing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose East Neurology for Neuropathy Testing?
Expert Neurologists
Specialist interpretation of nerve conduction studies with extensive experience in neuropathy diagnosis.
Same-Day Results
Immediate discussion of findings and treatment recommendations. No waiting weeks for answers.
Short Wait Times
Regular testing slots available Tuesday-Thursday. Most practices have 4-6 week waiting lists.
Comprehensive Care
From diagnosis to treatment coordination with your doctor and specialists as needed.
Get Your Neuropathy Diagnosis Today
Don't let burning feet and nerve pain go undiagnosed • Same-day results • Expert care
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