Texas Cannabis Clinic
Medical Marijuana Doctors located in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the entire State of Texas through telemedicine.
There are few standard treatments for peripheral neuropathy, a condition which affects 25-30% of all Americans. Peripheral neuropathy can be debilitating and especially difficult to alleviate. Recent research suggests that cannabis may finally provide relief. At Texas Cannabis Clinic, Matthew Brimberry, MD, treats patients of all ages with neuropathy in and around Austin, Houston, Arlington, San Antonio, and the entire state of Texas through telemedicine. To learn what Dr. Brimberry and the team at Texas Cannabis Clinic can do for you, book a telehealth appointment today.
Neuropathy Q&A
When nerve fibers are damaged, dysfunctional, or injured, they can send incorrect signals to the nervous system’s pain centers. These signals can cause weakness, pain, and paralysis that are the telltale signs of neuropathy.
Typically starting in the hands and feet, neuropathies can affect other body parts as well. The symptoms of neuropathy depend on the types and number of nerves affected.
Perpetual neuropathy can occur on its own, but other common causes include diabetes, alcoholism, autoimmune disease, and toxicity from chemotherapy.
The symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on the type and location of the nerves involved. Neuropathy can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, with patients experiencing emotional and cognitive problems stemming from their main symptoms.
Some common signs and symptoms of neuropathy include:
- Sharp, burning, stabbing, or “electric-like” pain
- Falling, or loss of coordination
- Inability to feel pain, pressure, or touch
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms, cramps, or twitching
- Struggles with temperature control, i.e. sweating too much or not enough
- Problems with bladder, digestion, and bowels
- Paralysis and loss of muscle control
Despite the debilitating symptoms of neuropathy, as well as the high rates of both medical and psychiatric comorbidities, it is frequently undertreated.
The standard treatments for neuropathy include tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and anticonvulsants.
Severe cases of neuropathy might be treated with spinal cord stimulation. All of these standard treatments have their own side effects. Often the poor response and relief rates rarely improve the quality of life for many people.
In recent years, through a variety of studies, cannabis has emerged as a viable and effective option for treating neuropathy. People who are on controlled doses of cannabis for neuropathy relief report substantial improvements in pain relief, sleep quality, and protective effects on further nerve damage.
However, treating neuropathy with cannabis is more complex than just going to a hemp store. Cannabis comes in a variety of strains, strengths, and formats, so working with a physician to find the optimal treatment for your specific needs is essential.
To learn about what medical cannabis can do for your neuropathy, book a telehealth appointment with Texas Cannabis Clinic today.