Neuropathies

Peripheral neuropathies are common neurological disorders. A diagnosis can be reached in 75% of cases with a detailed history and examination, neurophysiological assessment and now standard laboratory investigations, which include antibody and DNA studies. The necessity for nerve biopsies is now limited to a number of specific indications only. Inflammatory neuropathic disorders such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and vasculitic neuropathies, though relatively rare, are treatable with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and/or corticosteroids.