Idiopathic Polyneuropathy: My endless journey to a near-diagnosis …

Hi Ray, unfortunately, "idiopathic polyneuropathy" is not a genuine diagnosis; on the contrary, it means "we don't know what it is." Upwards of 30 per cent of those with idiopathic (unexplained) PN are ultimately shown to have some degree of pathological glucose intolerance, according to some studies. When you have PN plus notable spinal issues the diagnosis can become even more difficult. It is possible the two are linked or that there are multiple, separate causes. If your PN has developed distally (in the extremities) and symmetrically and then spread again in a symmetrical pattern it is likely that something different from or in addition to spinal issues is at work. I am in the same situation, trying to sort this out. You might also consider adding acetyl-L-carnitine to your supplement regimen.

Ray, ran across this fairly incredible source (NIH) re: pre-diabetes.
"It is now increasingly being appreciated that a substantial proportion of subjects with prediabetes may exhibit peripheral neuropathy and/or neuropathic pain. The reverse is also true, inasmuch as examining patients with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy will frequently reveal prediabetes. In the general population, the prevalence of neuropathy in prediabetes is intermediate between overt diabetes and subjects with normoglycemia. This prediabetic neuropathy is, generally, milder in comparison to diabetic neuropathy and mainly affects small fibers mediating sensory function."
Bob

Hi, Bob. Sounds almost like a conspiracy: two conditions walking hand-in-hand. It appears to make great sense to pay attention to both. For years, my balance "issues," out-of-range lab numbers, on & off gastrointestinal difficulties, etc., were always considered as unrelated problems. Now I wonder: Were they? ––Ray

@justbob, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe.

Allow me to post it for you:
- Prediabetic neuropathy: does it exist? (2012) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22562652/

Hi Ray,
Yep, an old doctor adage they are fond of: "True, true and unrelated".
May I ask, did your labs reflect pre-diabetes?
Bob

Hi, Bob

Yes, as I recall, something in my labs made my PCP mention pre-diabetic, but that was many labs ago, a couple of years before I received my PN diagnosis. I've had several labs since, but none have prompted my PCP or any of my other doctors (and boy, oh boy, have I got a surplus of doctors!) to say a word about pre-diabetic. Just something else that leaves me wondering.

Ray