Peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

In general practice, peripheral neuropathy is unavoidable. It is one of the most common neurological disorders seen by medical practitioners. According to the Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy, 60% of all cases are caused by diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is increased by 2–3% in people who are 60 years and older, and by 13% in those between 70 and 80 years in age. A focused history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory tests should be performed to rule out causes other than diabetes. Management of peripheral neuropathy requires a multi-disciplinary approach from specialists, general practitioners, occupational therapists, district nurses and physiotherapists. Peripheral neuropathy can be debilitating, but appropriate management can change a patient’s quality of life. Peripheral neuropathy can be divided according to anatomic region and distribution across the peripheral nervous system into mononeuropathies, multifocal neuropathies and polyneuropathies. These three main categories can be further divided into causes, time course and type of neuropathy. Management for undifferentiated peripheral neuropathy will also be discussed.