Question Title: Over 100 causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted by CCF Neurology M.D. on February 08, 1998 at 10:35:05:

In Reply to: Over 100 causes of peripheral neuropathy? posted by Pete Cresswell on February 07, 1998 at 19:35:28:

: In the Mayo Clinc's "Burning Feet" article at this same web site I see the statement:

"If the burning sensation is due to nerve damage, more than 100 causes may underlie the problem."

Where can I find alist of all 100+ causes? The Neuropathy Association's booklet lists quite a few, but it doesn't approach 100.

My neurology guys are telling me that they don't know what's causing it, but it's "probably" systemic....meaning that they think there's no use checking for physical causes like an arthritic vertebra or some sort of pinching.

Maybe they're right, but since PN is in the process of ending life as I know it and these guys typically spend all of thirty minutes on a patient/visit, it seems worthwhile for me to get a list of all known causes and start eliminating them one-by-one.

Dear Pete,

I found a peripheral neuropathy list of approximately 100 causes in Principles of Neurology, by Raymond Adams, Maurice Victor, and Allan Ropper 6th Edition, page 1311. It is too numerous to list at this time. In general, different reasons for PN can be "ruled out": 1. Based on the pattern in which the symptoms develop. . It is important to know whether the symptoms are motor (weakness), sensory (numbness/tingling/sense loss), autonomic or a combination. 3. The time course over which the symptoms develop and evolve. 4. A family history of similar symptoms. In additon to blood work another test that may be helpful is an EMG. A PN is not the end of the world, some causes are reversible and others have symptoms that are managed with medications. I recommend working with your doctor to find the etiology. If you are interested in getting an evaluation by one of the doctors (Dr. Sheilds, Dr. Levin) at CCF who are trained specifially in nerve disorders, you can call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Ask for the neurology appointment secretary.

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