Hi,
There can be many causes of peripheral neuropathy including diabetes, metabolic abnormalities, vitamin deficiency and alcoholism. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Does your friend have any other symptoms?
I would suggest you get her blood sugar test done at the earliest and at the same time schedule an appointment with a another physician as soon as possible.
Loula, it's very good of you to look for information for your friend.
Here is an article about treating neuropathy:
Effective Treatment for Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain
by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.
http://www.endfatigue-dev.com/health_articles_o-q/Pain-effective_treatment_neuropathic.html
You'll have to copy and paste the url into a new browser window....if the url is removed, you can google for the title and author to find it.
Wishing you the best,
Carol
Hi.
Numbness in this area of the body may be explained by problems with the nerves, or problems with the blood supply or circulation. While these are more common in patients with diabetes or other metabolic disorders, it can happen to every one.
Tests to determine nerve status would include NCV (nerve conduction velocity), and the blood supply can be tested using angiograms or doppler studies.
I suggest that these options be discussed with her doctors.
Regards and God bless.