Oregon February 2017 1
Missed Opportunities Patients with neuropathy
- Dr. Thomas Burke
Medical Director HealthLight Reno , NV
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Topics
What is neuropathy? What are common causes of neuropathy? What is the physiology behind the symptoms? (you learned this in school) What ‘neuropathy’ means to a practice?
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YOU ARE THINKING…..
- How do I assess and then present a care
plan to patients with neuropathy? Not comfortable with that.
- Later this morning I will give you
suggestions.
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Symptoms of Neuropathy
- Burning pain, can’t sleep
- Tingling
- Loss of feeling (sensation), poor balance
- Trouble walking (hard to lose weight)
Severe neuropathy can lead to wounds They will come to you because you treat pain and can help with weight loss.
Who has neuropathy?
- Diabetes, chemotherapy, and statins
- But wait, we can’t treat “diseases”
- I agree; You CAN treat the symptoms
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DIABETES: YOU KNOW THIS
- High blood glucose damages blood vessels
- Diabetic patients suffer decreased blood flow to
eyes, heart, kidney and nerves in the lower legs.
- Poor blood flow = ischemia
- Ischemia = pain (A SYMPTOM OF NEUROPATHY)
- You treat pain, correct?
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