Neuropathies

Peripheral neuropathies are common. A specific diagnosis can be reached in 75% of cases using a detailed history and examination, neurophysiology and appropriate laboratory investigations. Nerve biopsies are rarely needed. Inflammatory neuropathic disorders such as Guillain–Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and the rare vasculitic neuropathies can be successfully treated with immunomodulation. Most neuropathies are axonal and treatment involves the management of the underlying cause and supportive measures.