Have Neuropathy? Blood Tests for Possible Causes: Part Two

Neuropathy can be devastating as we age, which potential symptoms including numbness — which causes unsteadiness — tingling, pain, or muscle weakness. There are some causes and treatments which we cover at Biohackr Health. If more common causes aren’t identified as the issue, you can dig deeper.

Metals and Minerals

• These are tested through blood or urine: lead, mercury, thallium, zinc, and arsenic, as well as low levels of copper.  *NOTE: We test for some of these substances in our micronutrient analysis (zinc, copper, etc.).

Autoimmune & Inflammation

• These tend to be more common in women, and autoimmune issues often affect multiple body areas including the skin, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
• Blood tests:
  • Sed rate. This measures the stickiness of your red blood cells. If it is high, it indicates inflammation and autoimmune issues.
  • ANA – Antinuclear Antibodies. This is seen in some autoimmune issues, such as Lupus, Sjogren’s, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • Anti-Ro and Anti-La. These are antibodies linked to Sjogren’s Syndrome (dry mouth, dry eyes, and neuropathy).
  • IgA-TTG. These are IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase Antibodies seen in celiac, an autoimmune issue where you cannot tolerate gluten. Symptoms include weight loss, GI issues, and neuropathy if untreated (eating a gluten-free diet).
  • C-reactive protein. A high level indicates infection or inflammation. This can be tested with our Biohackr Benchmark program.

Infections

• HIV. This is a common cause of neuropathy. Shockingly, only 1 in 5 people know of their status, and 1 in 4 are getting care. 50,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. yearly.
• Lyme Antibodies. This refers to tick-borne disease, which is common in the Northeastern U.S. If untreated, the condition progresses to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Early diagnosis and treatment are required. If you have a tick bite with a rash, see a doctor immediately (and bring the tick if you can).
• Hep-C Antibodies. This is a chronic liver infection you get from blood (IV needle sharing) or sex. It causes neuropathy because the antibodies precipitate in the blood vessels, which blocks them and causes inflammation.

DNA/GENETICS

• There are genetic hereditary neuropathy disorders like Charcot Marie Tooth disease, where there is nerve degeneration due to lack of special necessary proteins.
• Diabetes risk/oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin resistance is a known risk factor for diabetes, one of the biggest causes of peripheral neuropathy. Our Benchmark program includes a panel for insulin resistance for this reason. For those who are overweight, a well-described benefit of semaglutide is that insulin resistance and diabetes markers improve.