How well is peripheral neuropathy investigated? An audit from a regional neuroph

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Ir J Med Sci. 2006 Jan-Mar;175(1):54-6.

How well is peripheral neuropathy investigated? An audit from a

regional neurophysiology department.

S, McNamara B.

Dept of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

BACKGROUND:

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is common and increases with age.

AIM: To assess how patients with confirmed peripheral neuropathy on

nerve conduction studies (NCS) were investigated and to determine

whether there was any difference in investigation based on patient

age or referral source.

DESIGN: Retrospective audit.

METHODS: All EMG/NCS reports from a one-year period were analysed.

The computer laboratory system was used to determine which blood

tests had been performed on those patients with confirmed peripheral

neuropathy on NCS.

RESULTS: Over 50% of patients referred from within the hospital did

not have a basic blood screen to search for the aetiology. There was

no significant difference in investigation practise based on patient

age or referral source.

CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the lack of systematic

investigation in a university teaching hospital. As a result of this

audit, a protocol has been prepared and is distributed with NCS/EMG

reports.