I recently got diagnosed with poly peripheral neuropathy. My rheumatologist wants me to get a nerve biopsy on the sural nerve to see if the neuropathy is inflammatory. Does anyone know what the name of inflammatory neuropathy is or are there multiple kinds? Has anyone had a nerve biopsy? The neurologist sees no evidence of inflammatory or a need for biopsy. I told the rheumatologist what he said and she still recommends the biopsy and if i don't do the biopsy she is recommending methaltrexate or immuran. Has anyone been to the Jerome L Greene Sjogrens Syndrome Center at John Hopkins? Where would you recommend to go to see a neurologist familiar with sjogens and a rheumatologist familiar with neurology? What are the hallmarks or symptoms of inflammatory neuropathy vs garden variety neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) can be caused by a wide variety of diseases and as a side effect to a wide variety of medications. PN affects large and/or small fibers.
Large fibers can be tested with EMG/NCS and small fibers with a punch skin biopsy. Both are less invasive than the sural nerve biopsy. Sural nerve biopsy can be painful and, in the worst case scenario, leave long-term pain at the biopsy site.
After those tests your doctors can access the different types of PN, such as sensory, autonomic or motor. You can learn more about PN @ http://www.neuropathy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=About_Facts
Immunosuppressants like Methotrexate and Imuran may be very good choices regarding treatment. IVIG is often used as well.
Good luck!
Argghhh, neuropathy is the bane of my life.
I am pretty much immobilized by it, in terms of walking or standing.
It is difficult/impossible to undo the damage, once it's done, I fear.
Any news the the contrary will be most welcome.
Reading with interest.
Hugs
Elaine