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Neuropathy diagnosis

Posted by fenn47 @fenn47, Feb 13 11:06am

Is there an actual test to diagnose neuropathy and it’s variants

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cheyne | @cheyne | Feb 13 12:31pm

Hi,
There being many types of neuropathy some have test for and some are subjective examinations by a proffesional. Usually a process of elimination.
Cheers

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marthadean | @marthadean | Feb 13 1:36pm

I had an EMG to determine the locations and severity of reactions to my legs and back

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mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Feb 13 2:13pm

There are several different methods of testing for neuropathy and it's possible causes, but everyone is different. Some of us never get a real diagnosis because the cause can't always be determined.
It took 3 neurologists and 2 neurosurgeons over 10 years to tell me that I have idiopathic poly neuropathy in my feet. In other words, they can't determine it's cause because I'm not diabetic, and they've done every test out there, sometimes more than once, and the results were "normal".
So I've been told to just "deal with it", and to treat the pain as best I can. I'm already taking 3600 mg of gabapentin every day to dull the pain, but doing something like walking gets harder all the time.
I'm not ever going to get better, or have less pain. I also suffer from osteoarthritis in my hips, knees, neck, lower back, and right elbow, so my quality of life isn't the greatest.
Get a referral to see a neurologist and get the tests done , you might be lucky and get a straight forward diagnosis and a possible treatment option.

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2 replies
bennettrory | @bennettrory | Feb 13 2:20pm
In reply to @mrmacabre "There are several different methods of testing for neuropathy and it's possible causes, but everyone is..." + (show)
@mrmacabre

There are several different methods of testing for neuropathy and it's possible causes, but everyone is different. Some of us never get a real diagnosis because the cause can't always be determined.
It took 3 neurologists and 2 neurosurgeons over 10 years to tell me that I have idiopathic poly neuropathy in my feet. In other words, they can't determine it's cause because I'm not diabetic, and they've done every test out there, sometimes more than once, and the results were "normal".
So I've been told to just "deal with it", and to treat the pain as best I can. I'm already taking 3600 mg of gabapentin every day to dull the pain, but doing something like walking gets harder all the time.
I'm not ever going to get better, or have less pain. I also suffer from osteoarthritis in my hips, knees, neck, lower back, and right elbow, so my quality of life isn't the greatest.
Get a referral to see a neurologist and get the tests done , you might be lucky and get a straight forward diagnosis and a possible treatment option.

Jump to this post

This helped me understand alot about my neuropathy. I also had emg. No findings and especially frustrating when your legs and feet are numb. I am heading to try for another MRI. Praying they find out what's pinching nerves in my back. God Bless and wish you the best of luck in your recovery

REPLY
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Feb 14 9:01am

@fenn47
EMG/nerve conduction studies of upper/lower limbs, neuropathy bloodwork and small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy are good initial tests to have a neurologist do.

REPLY
1 reply
allegheny | @allegheny | Feb 14 9:41am
In reply to @mrmacabre "There are several different methods of testing for neuropathy and it's possible causes, but everyone is..." + (show)
@mrmacabre

There are several different methods of testing for neuropathy and it's possible causes, but everyone is different. Some of us never get a real diagnosis because the cause can't always be determined.
It took 3 neurologists and 2 neurosurgeons over 10 years to tell me that I have idiopathic poly neuropathy in my feet. In other words, they can't determine it's cause because I'm not diabetic, and they've done every test out there, sometimes more than once, and the results were "normal".
So I've been told to just "deal with it", and to treat the pain as best I can. I'm already taking 3600 mg of gabapentin every day to dull the pain, but doing something like walking gets harder all the time.
I'm not ever going to get better, or have less pain. I also suffer from osteoarthritis in my hips, knees, neck, lower back, and right elbow, so my quality of life isn't the greatest.
Get a referral to see a neurologist and get the tests done , you might be lucky and get a straight forward diagnosis and a possible treatment option.

Jump to this post

Hi again, that is what I was diagnosed with 8 yrs ago. Large fiber idiopathic polyneuropathy. I have kept very active, supplements and 300 mg of gabapentin. I also habe a vibrating plate to stand on and ultra ray red slippers. Dont know if any help. Like you said everyone is different and this disease is a BIG mystery. Best Wishes to you!

REPLY
mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Feb 14 1:36pm
In reply to @dlydailyhope "@fenn47 EMG/nerve conduction studies of upper/lower limbs, neuropathy bloodwork and small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy..." + (show)
@dlydailyhope

@fenn47
EMG/nerve conduction studies of upper/lower limbs, neuropathy bloodwork and small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy are good initial tests to have a neurologist do.

Jump to this post

Yup, those tests all sound familiar.

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