Polyneuropathy Guideline

The initiative for the polyneuropathy guideline was taken by the Dutch Society of Neurology (NVN). The guideline, which is evidence-based, was developed by a working group consisting of neurologists, a neurology resident (AIOS), and a patient representative. It is intended for all professionals involved in the care of patients with subacute and chronic polyneuropathy, particularly neurologists and rehabilitation physicians. However, general practitioners, internists, geriatricians, and physician assistants can also use this guideline.

Scope and Purpose

The guideline applies to all patients with subacute and chronic polyneuropathy. Its primary goal is to improve diagnostic procedures for identifying the causes of subacute and chronic polyneuropathy.

The guideline addresses the following topics:

• Medical history and neurological examination
• Alarm symptoms
• Polyneuropathy diagnostics
• Electromyography (EMG) diagnostics
• Indications for EMG
• Criteria for EMG quality
• Distinguishing demyelinating polyneuropathy via EMG
• Identification of inflammatory polyneuropathies using ultrasound
• Treatment
• Small fiber neuropathy
• Organization of care

Exclusions

This guideline does not address patients with acute polyradiculoneuropathy, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. For the treatment of polyneuropathy caused by diabetes mellitus, refer to the guideline on painful diabetic neuropathy. For the surgical treatment of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN), refer to the HMSN guideline.

The polyneuropathy guideline is available in the guideline database of the Federation of Medical Specialists (FMS).