Aktuelle Neurologie 2009; 36(8): e3-e13
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1220453
Guidelines

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Diagnosis of Polyneuropathies

Guidelines of the German Society of NeurologyD.  Heuß1 , M.  Auer-Grumbach2 , W.  F.  Haupt3 , W.  Löscher4 , B.  Neundörfer5 , B.  Rautenstrauß6 , S.  Renaud7 , C.  Sommer8
  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen
  • 2Institute for Human Genetics, University of Graz
  • 3Department of Neurology, Univsersity of Cologne
  • 4Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck
  • 5Neurologie am Stadtpark, Nuremburg
  • 6Friedrich Baur Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich
  • 7Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Basle
  • 8Department of Neurology, University of Wuerzburg
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 September 2009 (online)

Abstract

The most important recommendations at a glance: History and clinical findings provide the most important data for the classification of polyneuropathies (familial, acute versus chronic course, concomitant disease; involved organ systems, symmetrical versus multifocal etc.) (IV) (C).

Electrophysiological examination is necessary to determine the pattern of distribution and the type of lesion (axonal versus demyelinating) in order to detect specific patterns of damage (e. g. conduction blocks) and to assess the resulting degree of muscle damage („denervation”) (B).

Laboratory tests should include the most important treatable polyneuropathies (see below) (C).

The examination of CSF is useful in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory polyneuropathies (B).

Genetic examinations are warranted in the case of a positive family history for polyneuropathy or in the presence of typical signs of hereditary polyneuropathy (pes cavus or hammer toes).

Nerve biopsies are recommended in the case of suspected treatable polyneuropathy that cannot be diagnosed by other means (e. g. vasculitis, atypical CIDP, amyloidosis). Nerve biopsies should be performed and analysed only in specialized centers (C).

When considering small fiber neuropathy, quantitative sensory testing and quantification of skin innervation are helpful diagnostic instruments.

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Prof. Dr. Dieter Heuß

Neuromuskuläres Zentrum, Neurologische Klinik des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen

Schwabachanlage 6

91054 Erlangen

Email: dieter.heuss@uk-erlangen.de