Investigations to Be Considered (EFNS/PNS)

Carol L. Koski, M.D. and Richard A. Lewis, M.D., Principal Authors

Information adapted from Joint Task Force of the EFNS and the PNS, 2005

To Identify CIDP

  • Nerve conduction studies
  • Cerebrospinal fluid cells and protein
  • MRI spinal roots, brachial plexus, and lumbosacral plexus
  • Nerve biopsy

To Detect Concomitant Diseases

  • Serum and urine paraproteins detection by immunofixation (repeating this should be considered in patients who are or become unresponsive to treatment)
  • Oral glucose tolerance test
  • Complete blood count
  • Renal function
  • Liver function
  • HIV antibody
  • Hepatitis B and C serology
  • Borrelia burgdorferi serology
  • C reactive protein
  • Antinuclear factor
  • Extractable nuclear antigen antibodies
  • Thyroid function
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme
  • Chest radiograph
  • Skeletal survey (repeating this should be considered in patients who are or become unresponsive to treatment)

To Detect Hereditary Neuropathy

  • Examination of parents and siblings
  • PMP22 gene duplication or deletion (especially if slowing of conduction is uniform and no evidence of partial motor conduction block or abnormal temporal dispersion)
  • Gene mutation known to cause CMT1 or heredity neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies

CMT1, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1

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