Sometimes, and that depends entirely on the cause - which is the reason identifying it matters so much. A neuropathy from vitamin B12 deficiency or nerve compression can resolve completely. One from long-standing diabetes generally cannot, though its progression can be slowed.
Sometimes, and that depends entirely on the cause - which is the reason identifying it matters so much. A neuropathy from vitamin B12 deficiency or nerve compression can resolve completely. One from long-standing diabetes generally cannot, though its progression can be slowed.
Several do, sometimes fully, and they are worth pursuing for that reason alone. Vitamin B12 deficiency corrected early can allow substantial or full recovery. A compressive neuropathy - carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment - often resolves completely once the pressure is relieved. Neuropathy from a medication may improve after that drug is changed. Alcohol-related neuropathy improves in many people who stop drinking. Inflammatory neuropathies such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and CIDP respond to immune treatment, sometimes with full recovery. Thyroid disease and coeliac disease corrected can also improve matters.
Long-standing diabetic neuropathy is the commonest of these. Once axons have died they do not regrow to their original state, so established numbness generally persists even when progression is halted. Hereditary neuropathies are not currently reversible, though some now have specific treatments that slow them. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy may improve partially over months to years but often leaves residual symptoms. Idiopathic neuropathy, where no cause is found after a thorough search, generally progresses slowly and is managed rather than reversed.
This is the practical message. Nerve fibres can regenerate, slowly and incompletely, but only if the cell body survives and the cause is removed. That makes early identification the single biggest determinant of how much recovers. A B12 deficiency corrected within months behaves very differently from the same deficiency found after years. A compression released before significant axon loss recovers better than one released after. This is why the workup happens promptly rather than after a period of watching, and why electrodiagnostic testing to grade severity is useful early.
A great deal, provided expectations are set honestly. Neuropathic pain responds to agents from the gabapentinoid, tricyclic and SNRI classes, with topical options for localised symptoms and doses individualised. Sleep is treated as its own target. Balance and falls risk are assessed, since loss of position sense matters most in the dark. Foot protection prevents the complications that cause real harm. Both offices run AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratories, for adults 18 and older.
Clinical Neurology Specialists has been physician-owned since 1998, when Leo Germin, M.D., FAANEM founded it. Five board-certified neurologists and four advanced practice providers see patients at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices, each with its own AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratory.
Clinical Neurology Specialists is an adult outpatient neurology practice for patients 18 and older. The practice performs no surgery and operates no imaging suite, infusion suite or interventional pain programme, and provides no emergency or inpatient care.
Physician-reviewed. Reviewed by the physicians of Clinical Neurology Specialists — board-certified neurologists, AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratories, physician-owned since 1998. Reviewed 1 August 2026. This article is general education for adults 18 and older and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Adults 18 and older, at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices. Call 702-804-1212 or request an appointment online.