<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is essential for the majority of clinical specialties, as it often reveals systemic underlying diseases that are rarely purely neurological. The patient’s history and thorough clinical examination represent the foundation of an early diagnosis. For internal medicine practitioners, it is important to consider common causes at first and search for diabetes, alcoholism or vitamin B12 deficiency, whilst following a diagnosis algorithm that encompasses cues to less popular aetiologies such as systemic vasculitis or paraproteinemia. Prior to requesting nerve conduction studies or further investigations, a few characteristics of peripheral neuropathy should be sought: onset, symmetry, distribution and function impairment (either sensory or motor). Given its interdisciplinary nature, peripheral neuropathies are managed via tight collaboration between the specialist and the internist. Although symptomatic treatment for painful neuropathy is available, treating the underlying disease is fundamental.</p>
</abstract>

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is essential for the majority of clinical specialties, as it often reveals systemic underlying diseases that are rarely purely neurological. The patient’s history and thorough clinical examination represent the foundation of an early diagnosis. For internal medicine practitioners, it is important to consider common causes at first and search for diabetes, alcoholism or vitamin B12 deficiency, whilst following a diagnosis algorithm that encompasses cues to less popular aetiologies such as systemic vasculitis or paraproteinemia. Prior to requesting nerve conduction studies or further investigations, a few characteristics of peripheral neuropathy should be sought: onset, symmetry, distribution and function impairment (either sensory or motor). Given its interdisciplinary nature, peripheral neuropathies are managed via tight collaboration between the specialist and the internist. Although symptomatic treatment for painful neuropathy is available, treating the underlying disease is fundamental.

Peripheral Neuropathy: A Practical Guide for Internists

“Dr. Carol Davila” Central University Emergency Military Hospital

Internal Medicine

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"Peripheral Neuropathy: A Practical Guide for Internists"}

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is essential for the majority of clinical specialties, as it often reveals systemic underlying diseases that are rarely purely...

Peripheral Neuropathy: A Practical Guide for Internists

Published Online: Nov 15, 2021

Page range: 53 - 62

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/inmed-2021-0182

Keywords
peripheral neuropathy, sensory and motor conduction, diabetes, systemic vasculitis

© 2021 Diana M. Chitimus et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Peripheral Neuropathy: A Practical Guide for Internists

Published Online: Nov 15, 2021

Page range: 53 - 62

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/inmed-2021-0182

Keywordsperipheral neuropathy, sensory and motor conduction, diabetes, systemic vasculitis

© 2021 Diana M. Chitimus et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
peripheral neuropathy, sensory and motor conduction, diabetes, systemic vasculitis