Peripheral Neuropathies

Complications of chemotherapy include damage to the peripheral nerves.  As more effective treatments for cancer are found and patients are living longer, peripheral neuropathy complications of chemotherapy are increasing.  Chemotherapy may cause patients to have sensory disturbances, balance problems or weakness.

Symptoms
The symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy depend on the type of chemotherapy. Patients may experience the following:

• Unusual sensations known as paresthesias
• Numbness
• Balance problems
• Pain
• Weakness in the muscles of the arms and legs

Evaluation for Peripheral Neuropathies
The evaluation for peripheral neuropathies is a multi-step process.

1. All new patients seen at the Pain Center receive The Brief Pain Inventory™.  This document asks you the following questions:
   • About your pain
   • Where you feel the pain
   • When you feel the pain
   • Describe the type and sensations of the pain
2. Lee Ann Rhodes, MD, will ask to see all your medical records.
3. Typically, you will be evaluated by a nurse.  You will be given a full medical workup, including your vital signs and a list of your symptoms and complaints.
4. After  Dr. Rhodes speaks to the nurse, she will come in to talk to you and to continue the examination.  Dr. Rhodes will design an individualized treatment plan to help treat your pain symptoms.  Most often, this plan will include referrals to other professionals on Our Team.
5. You will follow-up with Dr. Rhodes two to four weeks after your initial appointment.

Treatment for PMP
The pain symptoms for PMP are treated using a combination of:

• Medical management (drugs to control anxiety and pain)
• Physical therapy
• Nerve blocks
• Psychotherapy
• Integrative medicine (this may include massage, acupuncture and other forms of holistic medicine)