Melody,

I agree with Glenn's speculations. Basically, many docs and folks like us on this board think that many, if not most, "idiopathic" neuropathies are very likely to be autoimmune in origin and that down the road the specific antibodies will be identified. There could be quite a few, actually.

In Alan's case, we are saying that his clinical features do not suggest a vasculitic neuropathy, that is, a neuropathy triggered by a circulation disorder. Glenn does point out that there are some vasculitic conditions that develop gradually but there does not seem to be any other evidence that suggests he has such a condition.

In the past few years, I think most practitioners, at least those at the forefront, who diagnose and/or treat neuropathy have come to the conclusion that impaired glucose tolerance, which is now "officially" recognized as a condition in its own right, can trigger neuropathy. I think many are considering the possibility that a significant number of "idiopathics" could fall into this category. So between the two - autoimmune and impaired glucose tolerance - we may eventually see the number of "idiopathics" fall dramatically.

rafi