Semin Neurol 2019; 39(05): 531-541
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1691749
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Laboratory Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy

K.H. Vincent Lau
1   Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 October 2019 (online)

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder, with high prevalence especially in the aged population. The general evaluative approach is to first identify the type of peripheral neuropathy prior to investigating for a possible underlying etiology, which is an increasingly important endeavor, as many causes of peripheral neuropathy are now recognized as treatable. To this end, laboratory testing plays an important adjunctive role to a detailed history and examination. This review will discuss possible diagnostic laboratory testing pathways for different types of peripheral neuropathy, with the goal of minimizing costs and false-positive results while maximizing the likelihood of identifying a potentially reversible etiology.

 
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