Testing for Neuropathy

Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve pain. Before neuropathy can be diagnosed, a patient must undergo testing. There are several different tests that can be performed to diagnose neuropathy. Some of these tests are simple and painless and others are more complex and may be uncomfortable for the patient. Testing for neuropathy often involves tests such as a physical exam and history, diagnostic testing, electrodiagnostic and imaging.

Physical Exam

• During a physical exam that is focused on neuropathy, the doctor will discuss the patient's symptoms in detail. He will ask for a description of the symptoms, how long they last, when they are experienced and how much pain and discomfort they cause. Patients will also be asked about other medical conditions they may have, what medications and supplements they take and about their bowel and bladder control. They may also be asked about their sexual function. The doctor will also perform a physical exam, and test the patient's strength, reflexes and ability to feel sensations. During the physical exam, the doctor may also obtain blood and urine samples from the patient.

Electrodiagnostic Testing

• When testing for neuropathy, electrodiagnostic testing can be performed to measure the electrical activity of the patient's nerves and muscles. This test can help determine whether nerve damage is present, the possible cause of the damage and the extent of the damage. The most common electrodiagnostic tests are nerve-conduction testing and electromyography. A nerve-conduction test is performed to see how fast an electrical impulse travels along a nerve. An electromyogram is performed to determine how much electrical activity a muscle has.

Diagnostic Testing

• When testing for neuropathy, diagnostic tests can be performed to determine how much eletrical activity is taking place in the nerves and muscles. A nerve biopsy and spinal tap are two of the most common diagnostic tests for neuropathy. A nerve biopsy can be performed to help determine an exact diagnosis, such as inflammatory neuropathy (nerve pain due to inflammation), axon degeneration (the axonal portion of the nerve cell is being destroyed) and demyelination (nerve cover damage). A spinal tap can be performed to obtain a sample of the patient's spinal fluid to be analyzed for the presence of neurological disorders and diseases.

Quantitative Sensory Testing

• This test for neuropathy is used to determine how much damage the small nerve endings have endured. This test can also be performed to see whether a neuropathy treatment is working. It can be used to diagnose a variety of neuropathies as well as peripheral neuropathies. In some cases, quantitative sensory testing is performed to figure out exactly where nerves are damaged.

Imaging

• When testing for neuropathy, the most common imaging tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT scan). A CT scan can be performed to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. An MRI can also be performed to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.