If this is a peripheral neuropathy I agree that it would be best to consult a neurologist. Sometimes this type of neuropathy results from an auto-immune disorder. This is when the body’s immune system, for whatever reason, turns upon itself and attacks nerve tissues in the body. The illness is named Guillain-Barre Syndrome or GBS. This condition can strike anyone at any age. It is a very rare illness and can lead to total temporary paralysis within a period of 24-48 hours. Recovery varies from a total recovery to partial recovery. There is also another variation of this illness which is called CIDP. This stands for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.
Please look at the website for the GBS/CIDP Foundation for more information on this rare and quite obscure illness: http://www.gbs-cidp.org/index.html.
Diagnosis is confirmed by drawing fluid from the spinal column. If the protein level in the fluid is abnormally high then GBS is confirmed. Nerve conduction studies called EMG will also help to confirm a diagnosis.
The reason I know so much about this illness is that my son came down with GBS/CIDP in 1986 at the age of 6 years old. He was left with permanent nerve damage in his hands and feet. Quite a blow for a little kid who loved to play T-ball. My wife and I know more about this illness than the average medical doctor.
I hope and pray that your husband does not have these illnesses but I would encourage you to see a COMPETENT neurologist. This illness is no laughing matter and can be a life changer, even to the point of being a life taker.
Best wishes .... TG
PS. There are several well known celebrities with this illness. Actor Andy Griffith, Sportscaster and former NY Knicks player Bud Palmer. Author Joseph Heller (Catch-22) had this illness that ultimately led to his death. Check out his book “No Laughing Matter”.
Thank you Tommygun99 for your reply. I am so sorry about your son. I have heard of GBS, and if his doctor thinks his condition has progressed I'm sure we'll go that route and have him check by a neurologist. Unfortunately we don't have any in our small area, but there's one within 90 miles of us.