Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder, with high prevalence especially
in the aged population. The general evaluative approach is to first identify the type
of peripheral neuropathy prior to investigating for a possible underlying etiology,
which is an increasingly important endeavor, as many causes of peripheral neuropathy
are now recognized as treatable. To this end, laboratory testing plays an important
adjunctive role to a detailed history and examination. This review will discuss possible
diagnostic laboratory testing pathways for different types of peripheral neuropathy,
with the goal of minimizing costs and false-positive results while maximizing the
likelihood of identifying a potentially reversible etiology.
Keywords
peripheral neuropathy - laboratory testing - multiple myeloma
