How to prepare for a video visit about Peripheral Neuropathy (Mild) - Evaluation

Audience: adult

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. Mild peripheral neuropathy often causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, or mild pain in the hands or feet. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help evaluate these symptoms and guide next steps. During the visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take. They may also observe your movements and sensations through the video. Preparing well for the visit can help you get the most from it. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can support early evaluation but is not a substitute for in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or inability to move limbs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — urgent medical evaluation needed.
• Severe worsening pain or new numbness spreading quickly — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking.
• Observation of movement and simple physical tests via video.
• Providing education about peripheral neuropathy and lifestyle advice.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Hands-on neurological examination requiring physical touch.
• Nerve conduction studies or other diagnostic tests.
• Immediate treatment of severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
• Procedures or interventions requiring physical presence.

What is Mild Peripheral Neuropathy?

Mild peripheral neuropathy means the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord are slightly damaged. This can cause symptoms like:

These symptoms may come and go or stay steady. Causes include diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, or exposure to toxins. Your healthcare provider will help find the cause and suggest treatments.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can:

Telemedicine is convenient but has limits. Your provider cannot perform hands-on exams or nerve tests through video.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready:

What to Expect During the Visit

During the video visit, your provider will:

They will explain if you need an in-person exam or urgent care.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some symptoms need urgent attention. Contact emergency services or go to a hospital if you experience:

These are medical emergencies and require prompt in-person evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection for your video visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and what affects them.
• List all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.
• Ensure your device camera can clearly show your hands, feet, or affected areas.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions or recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
• Schedule any suggested follow-up appointments or diagnostic tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Seek urgent care if you experience any red flag symptoms.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle as advised, including diet and exercise.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your provider at future visits.

FAQs

What causes mild peripheral neuropathy?

Mild peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many factors including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (like B12), infections, exposure to toxins, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases. Sometimes the exact cause is not found.

Can a video visit diagnose peripheral neuropathy?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and decide if further tests or in-person exams are needed. It is useful for initial evaluation but cannot replace hands-on exams or nerve tests.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse suddenly?

If you experience sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe worsening pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious problem.

How can I manage mild peripheral neuropathy symptoms at home?

Managing mild symptoms often includes keeping blood sugar under control if diabetic, avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet with enough vitamins, and protecting your feet and hands from injury. Your provider can give specific advice.

Will I need tests during or after the video visit?

Your provider may recommend blood tests, imaging, or nerve studies to find the cause of your symptoms. These tests usually require an in-person visit to a clinic or lab.

Sources

1. Peripheral Neuropathy — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Peripheral Neuropathy — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.