Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy News Release by AAN

News Release from the American Academy of Neurology


American Academy of Neurology Publishes Guidelines for Distal Symmetric PolyneuropathyThe American Academy of Neurology has published new, evidence-based guidelines to support the most accurate diagnosis for distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). Distal symmetric polyneuropathy is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy, a disorder of the peripheral nervous system affecting more than 20 million Americans. Led by John D. England, M.D., Professor and Chairman of Neurology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, the guidelines were developed by the Polyneuropathy Task Force, comprised of 19 physicians with representatives from the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The physicians analyzed all available scientific studies on DSP and published the evidence-based guidelines in the December 3, 2008 online issue of the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal, Neurology®. The guidelines state that a combination of blood tests and other specialized assessments appear to be the most helpful tests for finding the cause of DSP. They also recommend tailored genetic testing for accurately diagnosing certain neuropathies that run in families, as well as recommend using a combination of specific tests to accurately evaluate neuropathies with autonomic dysfunction. To learn more, read the American Academy of Neurology’s press release.http://www.aan.com/ Disclaimer© 2009 The Neuropathy Association / 60 E. 42nd Street, Suite 942 / New York, NY 10165 / 212-692-0662

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