THURSDAY, Dec. 4 -- A combination of blood tests and other specialized
assessments seems to be most effective in finding the cause of a common
nerve problem called neuropathy, according to new guidelines issued by the
American Academy of Neurology.
Neuropathy, which affects one in 50 people in the general population and
one in 12 people older than 55, usually causes numbness, tingling or pain
that often starts in the feet and moves to the hands. Muscle weakness and
wasting may also occur. Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy,
which can also be caused by heredity, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition and
autoimmune disorders, the academy said.
The authors of the new guidelines analyzed all available scientific
studies.
"People with suspected nerve problems should talk to their doctors about
screening tests, especially blood glucose, vitamin B12 level and serum
protein levels, since these tests can often point to common causes of
neuropathy," guidelines author Dr. John D. England, chairman of the
neurology department at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
in New Orleans, said in an academy news release.
The guidelines also recommend tailored genetic testing for diagnosis of
certain neuropathies that run in families and a combination of specialized
tests to evaluate neuropathies with autonomic dysfunction. These autonomic
tests measure the action of the tiny nerves that control functions such as
sweating, heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, skin biopsy may help
diagnose loss of tiny nerve fibers in the skin.
The guidelines were published Dec. 3 in the journal Neurology.
"There are many people with a neuropathy who have been walking around for
years without having been diagnosed and treated. Both neurologists and
people with neuropathy need to know that the appropriate choice of tests is
critical to accurate diagnosis," said England, a fellow of the American
Academy of Neurology.
More information
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging has more about diabetic neuropathy -
http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/diabetes/neuropathy.php
.
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