Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when the peripheral nervous system functions abnormally or is somehow damaged, whether by injuries, infections, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes or certain diseases.
Typical costs:
For mild symptoms, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen or similar products), which cost about $5 -$25, depending on the quantity and whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent. A doctor may also recommend that the patient use an over-the-counter cream containing capsaicin, a naturally occurring chemical found in hot peppers, which, according to the Mayo Clinic may bring about modest improvement. At drugstore.com, such creams range in cost from $8 to $25. For example, a 1.5 oz tube of Walgreen's Capsaicin Cream[1] costs $11.
For more serious, long-term problems, a patient will likely need prescription drugs or other methods of pain management. Health insurers will typically cover standard, well-established treatment[2] for peripheral neuropathy. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays, prescription drug copays and coinsurance of 10%-50% or more.
Prescription drugs often used to relieve nerve pain caused by peripheral neuropathy include anti-seizure medications and antidepressants. According to Consumer Reports' Best Buy Drugs program[3] , anti-seizure medications [4] such as gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) typically cost between $14 and $500 or more for a month's supply, while the cost for commonly prescribed antidepressants[5] can range from about $20 a month to more than $400 a month, depending on the specific drug, its dosage, and whether a patient requests a brand name or generic version.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)[6] , a non-invasive medical device that uses electrodes to deliver an electrical current, may also be an option for pain control, and typically ranges in cost from a few hundred dollars to $700 or more. TENS units are not be covered by some insurers; for example Aetna[7] , which covers the therapy for short-term post operative pain, considers it experimental and investigational for neuropathic pain.
Symptoms[8] depend on the specific nerves affected and may be temporary (i.e. numbness, muscle weakness), or more extreme (paralysis or organ dysfunction).
According to the Mayo Clinic[9] , because peripheral neuropathy can have many causes, diagnosis will typically require tests, including blood tests, electromyography and imaging tests such as an MRI.
Treatment[10] will typically entail managing underlying symptoms and controlling pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may improve over time, particularly if the underlying condition is treated.
Additional costs:
Massage, which can cost from $30 to $100 or more, may help to improve symptoms and relive pain.
Discounts:
Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[11] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. The hospital also offers an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of the patient receiving the bill.
Shopping for peripheral neuropathy treatment:
A patient who experiences symptoms[12] such as sharp or jabbing pain in the hands and feet, may be referred by his or her family doctor to a neurologist[13] , a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system.
The American Academy of Neurology offers a physician locator[14] .
The Neuropathy Association, a national nonprofit that promotes research and education about peripheral neuropathy, has 120 support groups across the country. Patients can check the organization's support group listings[15] to find one in their area.
For more information about peripheral neuropathy, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy offers a patient brochure[16] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]