Polyneuropathy

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**Polyneuropathy**
*Classification & external resources*
ICD-10	G60-G64
ICD-9	356.4, 357.1-357.7

Polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder that occurs when many peripheral nerves throughout the body malfunction simultaneously. It may be acute and appear without warning, or chronic and develop gradually over a longer period of time. Many polyneuropathies have both motor and sensory involvement and some have autonomic dysfunction. These disorders are often symmetric and frequently involve distal extremities. There is a very large differential for polyneuropathy.

1 Evaluation
2 Diagnosis/testing
3 Differential
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Evaluation

Evaluation and classification of polyneuropathies begins with a history and physical exam in order to document what the pattern of the disease process is (arms, legs, distal, proximal, symmetric), when they started, how long they've lasted, if they fluctuate, and what deficits and pain are involved. If pain is a factor, and it often is, determining where and how long the pain has been present is important. 'The patient must be interviewed, and physical testing is often necessary to further delineate and document the pain.

One also needs to know what disorders are already present within the family and what diseases the patient may currently have. This is vital in forming a differential diagnosis.

[edit] Diagnosis/testing

Although often diseases are suggested by the physical exam and history alone, testing is still a large part of the diagnosis. Tests which may be employed include: electrodiagnostic testing using electromyography, repetitive nerve stimulation testing, nerve conduction testing, muscle biopsy, serum creatine kinase (CK), antibody testing, . Nerve biopsy is not used much. Other tests may be used, especially tests for specific disorders associated with polyneuropathies.