Neuropathic Pain Specialist

Neurology Los Angeles

Leon Barkodar, MD

Neurologist in Beverly Hills and the Greater LA Area

Weakness, numbness, and pain from neuropathic conditions can affect your quality of life. Dr. Leon Barkodar with Concierge Neurology in Beverly Hills and the Greater LA Area offers patients suffering from neuropathic pain a wide variety of treatment options to help them ease any neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic Pain Q & A

What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain usually occurring in the hands and feet state that is sometimes accompanied by tissue injury. Neuropathic pain involves damage or injury to the nerve fibers themselves. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury. Neuropathic pain symptoms may include:

  • Shooting and burning pain

  • Tingling and numbness

  • Weakness

  • Pins-and-Needles sensation

How is neuropathic pain diagnosed?

To diagnose neuropathic pain, you will have a frank discussion of symptoms with your doctor followed by a physical exam. The doctor may ask you to describe your pain, when the pain occurs, or whether anything specific triggers the pain. The doctor may also request both blood and nerve tests. Some common causes of neuropathic pain include:

  • Alcoholism

  • Amputation

  • Back, leg, and hip problems

  • Chemotherapy

  • Diabetes

  • Facial nerve problems

  • HIV infection or AIDS

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Shingles

  • Spine surgery

Once the pain has been diagnosed by a professional, a treatment plan is made to address your individual symptoms.

What are the treatments?

Curing neuropathic pain is dependent on discovering the underlying cause. Various medications have been used in an attempt to treat neuropathic pain such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or tricyclic antidepressants. Another common treatment of neuropathic pain includes anti-seizure medications. Because pain medication by itself has not always proven effective, a multidisciplinary approach that combines therapies, and has been proven a more beneficial way to provide relief from neuropathic pain.

Other types of treatments that can be used for treating neuropathic pain include:

  • Physical therapy

  • Working with a counselor

  • Relaxation therapy

  • Massage therapy

  • Acupuncture

For more information on how neuropathic pain can be treated at Neurology Los Angeles, contact the offices today.

Pain

Testimonials

"I called Dr. Barkodar when I thought I might be having memory issues. He listened to me carefully & explained the differences between forgetfulness & something more"

Anonymous

"Dr. Barkodar cured my headaches! After years of suffering from daily headaches and seeing numerous doctors, I finally got relief from an individually tailored regimen"

Anonymous

"A wonderful, patient, & positive doctor he is! He and his staff helped my son and I during a tragic time & his reassurance throughout the process help us immensely!"

C.W.