Luciano C A
Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan.
Rev Neurol. 1999;29(2):184-8.
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.
周围神经病是一组病因极为多样的周围神经系统疾病。因此，对其进行分类很重要，以便减少可能的诊断数量并确定正确病因。
回顾周围神经病初始检查和管理的最重要原则。
这些疾病的临床特征可能使人衰弱和丧失能力，并且可能是非常严重疾病症状复合体的一部分。有必要对症状、体征和实验室检查进行系统评估，以便确立正确诊断并开始治疗。分类过程中使用的一些最重要要素包括：功能检查结果、缺损的定位或解剖模式以及生理或病理检查结果。周围神经病的治疗可分为四类：消除病因、对症治疗、调节免疫系统和康复治疗。
随着致病机制越来越清晰，诊断和治疗的可能性不断增加。
