[Important aspects of the diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathies]

The peripheral neuropathies represent a diverse group of disorders of the peripheral nervous system of very varied aetiology. It is therefore important to classify them, so as to reduce the number of possible diagnoses and to identify the correct cause.

To review the most important principles of the initial examination and the management of peripheral neuropathies.

The clinical features of these diseases may be debilitating and incapacitating, and may be part of a symptom complex of very serious diseases. It is necessary to carry out systematic evaluation of the symptoms, signs and laboratory tests so as to establish the correct diagnosis and begin treatment. Some of the most important elements used in the process of classification are: functional findings, topography or the anatomical pattern of the deficits, and the physiological or pathological findings. Treatment of the peripheral neuropathies may be divided into four groups: elimination of the casual agent, treatment of symptoms, modulation of the immune system and rehabilitation.

The possibilities of diagnosis and treatment continue to increase as the mechanisms responsible become clearer.