Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness and Pain Won't Stop

by Norman Latov, Ralph M. Buschbacher

Peripheral neuropathy affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S, including ten per cent of all people who have diabetes. This condition has numerous causes, but can be associated with diseases such as HIV, alcoholism, and lupus, and may result from treatments for other medical conditions, such as cancer chemotherapy. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling in the extremities. Although a widespread condition, most people don't know about it, and when diagnosed find it difficult to obtain information. Peripheral Neuropathy, by Norman Latov, Professor of Neurology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains what we know about neuropathy, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered



The causes of peripheral neuropathyDrug therapy for the condition itself and for managing symptoms such as painInterventional therapyCaring for your feetPersonal accounts of people living with neuropathyAlternative medicines, and much more

This indispensable guide will help millions of people understand this condition so that they can take control of their lives and make informed decisions. In addition, it will be a useful resource for their families, caregivers, and health care providers.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2006

Reviews

[Ray Jamiolkowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far too technical to be useful. It would be terrific if someone would write a book about peripheral neuropathy in layman’s terminology. Disappointing.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I ordered to educate me on PN.....and found this one even better. This affliction was explained very well in layman's terms and while there is not much you can do about PN....this book covers how to cope with it, that you are not alone and gives you references to other books, groups and organizations that deal with PN. Very informative...

[Bob Gustafson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was as thorough and as detailed and as interesting a a college textbook.

[milo · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’ai pu donc apprendre que les neuropathies périphériques sont peu communes, et qu’au sein des différentes formes qu’elles peuvent avoir, certaines sont encore moins communes. Ces formes rares sont en général causées par un traitement ou des maladies (chimio, sida, hépatite C), mais dans certaines situations peu fréquentes elles sont idiopathiques, et ben oui c’est mon cas en fait donc le bouquin m’a fait me sentir bien seul. Le gros du livre contient surtout des infos sur des formes plus communes, qui touchent les gens après leur 50 ans. Même si c’était d’un côté rassurant d’avoir sur papier tous mes symptômes bizarres liés à la destruction de mes fibres nerveuses, d’un autre côté clairement savoir comment et à quel point ça peut se dégrader au fil des années m’a pas vraiment remonté le moral. Les témoignages recueillis à la fin du livre sont uniquement de personnes ayant 60-80 ans, et perso je m’y suis pas retrouvé. Je vais essayer de me mettre en quête de livres qui traitent uniquement du NPF, en espérant trouver un truc qui m’empower plutôt que de me miner le moral. J’avais décidé de lire au moins un bouquin sur chacune des maladies qu’on m’a diagnostiqué ces dernières années pour mieux comprendre mes problèmes de santé et mon handicap, mais déjà là on en est à 6 maladies (😭) et c’est pas forcément évident de trouver de bonnes ressources et encore moins quelque chose qui fasse le lien entre mes diagnostics.

[Cara Bristol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because my husband was recently diagnosed with severe neuropathy, and I wanted to learn more about his condition. I did glean some basic info on what to expect and what might be done. All the things my husband is experiencing were mentioned in the book. You could say he’s a textbook case.

Peripheral Neuropathy is not an uplifting read. In general, the neurologist neuropathy specialist author paints a pretty bleak picture. To cut through the medical jargon, if you have neuropathy, the chances are you’re probably screwed. (You might be lucky, and it might be treatable, but at best, you’re going to have manage symptoms, which will never fully go away).

The book is not an easy read because of the medical terminology. You pretty much need some medical training to really understand all of it.

But, it was informative. I feel like I know what questions to ask my husband’s neurologist as a result of reading the book.

[Nerdy Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite informative. I don't know how much research has progressed in the past twenty years.

I'm still not sure if this is the cause of my troubles, but it seems my doctor is following the traditional path described here.

Not much I can do, it seems, apart from taking the medication and keep doing exercises.

Life is hard 😐

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book

[Mollie Connelly-MacNeill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great explanations of neuropathy, great testimonials and case studies. The sites and resources the book recommends are all dead though.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helped me understand what the heck...Peripheral Neuropathy is...I keep hearing about it, just never really understood it.

[me · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read if you or a loved one has this problem.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

solid book, good overview