Neurológia pre prax 1/2010

Diagnosing and differential diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of polyneuropathy (PNP). Diagnostics of diabetic polyneuropathy is based on a neurological examination and auxilliary examination methods. It is crucial to diagnose PNP as soon as possible in order to prevent complications, such as the diabetic neuropathic foot. The diagnosis of diabetic PNP is a diagnosis „per exclusionem“, so even in diabetic patients it is necessary to exclude other possible causes of PNP, in particular when the clinical image and disease course show atypical symptoms.

Keywords: polyneuropathy, patient history, neurological examination, electromyographic examination, differential diagnosis.