Living with Neuropathy
Patients with neuropathy often experience debilitating numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. “Neuropathy” refers to damage to the nerves carrying messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy is caused by a number of conditions including diabetes, Guillain-Barré syndrome and post-polio syndrome. Some patients have transient or intermittent numbness and tingling, but for many patients it is progressive and irreversible, as the nerves are experiencing damage due to disease processes.
Dr. Tabby works with patients from a diversity of backgrounds, both those coming to her with a diagnosis seeking treatment, and those experiencing symptoms of unknown origin. She listens and takes a methodical and scientific approach to reach a diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Tabby’s Approach to Care
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists like Dr. Tabby have extensive training in a number of disciplines including neurology, rheumatology and the musculoskeletal system which provides them unique knowledge to address issues patients may be facing like neuropathy that are affecting their daily functioning. Her goal is to help those suffering from neuropathy experience less pain and symptoms that interfere with their daily activities, and coordinate care with specialists that may be able to slow disease progression and nerve damage in some cases, such as diabetic neuropathy.
Dr. Tabby embodies a true diagnostician versed in the “art of medicine,” both cultivating relationships with her patients based on trust and pursuing a rigorous diagnostic work-up. She will carefully listen to the patient’s complaint and perform a thorough examination of the affected area, as well as other areas of the body to aid in her diagnostic reasoning.
If the cause of a patient’s neuropathy is unknown or needs further exploration, Dr. Tabby may perform tests such as EMG/NCV or request records from other providers in an attempt to provide a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan. She provides EMG/NCV testing in the office for the convenience of her patients and it takes less than one hour to complete.
Easy booking and appointment availability are benefits of working with Dr. Tabby. She encourages all patients to visit her in the office, but for patients with extreme mobility limits, she makes home visits or virtual appointments through HealthTap. Feel free to inquire when speaking with the office staff about all of the available options.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Method
Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Tabby will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific need. There is often collaboration with neurologists, endocrinologists, physical therapists and other practitioners in a multidisciplinary fashion. Dr. Tabby is an advocate of vitamins, nutrition and exercise as part of a healthy self-care routine. Education and corrective measures may be implemented as part of the treatment plan to prevent further progression of the neuropathy.
She employs a nonnarcotic treatment method rooted in the judicious use of medications, therefore treatments are likely to center around exercise, nutrition, and topical and oral medications. Active participation of the patient is required to complete recommended therapeutic exercises. Bracing (orthotics) or the use of walking assistive devices may be employed to provide support and prevent falls in those with poor feeling in their feet. She works with patients to actively engage them in their care and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to provide neuropathy patients optimal support and relief of symptoms.