--there are a number of other immunological tests that can be done, based on the type of neuropathy one has, that look for specific antibodies to components of peripheral nerve.

The most common tests that are done are thsoe for anti-MAG (myelin associated glycoprotein) antibodies; these are common in certain demyelinating sensory syndromes. One also is usally tested for the sulfated glycoprotein (SPGP) as well.

Then, there are tests for the anti-sulfatide antibody (often found in syndromes with sensory loss or dysthetic symptoms), and others for specific components of nerve, labelled GM1 (this one is found in many motor syndromes), GD1a and GD1b (mixed sensory-motor syndromes), GQ1b (Miller-Fisher and other neuro-ophthalmologic syndromes), anti-Tubulin (soemtimes found in chronic demyelinating neuropathies), some other antibodies associated with vasculitis or ANA, such as c-ANCA and p-ANCA, and those associated with paraneoplastic syndromes (anti-Hu, anti-Yo, anti-Ri).

You can see this gets complicated. Very few centers have the capacity to run all these tests. Many neuros don't even know of the existence of some of them. It's why places like Cornell-Weill, Hopkins, Mayo, and the Jack Miller Center are so valuable--much of the research on these autoantibodies stems from these centers.

LizaJane has all these on her charts, as well as some more associated with attacks on other organs (such as the pancreas and thyroid gland).

Here's a good paper that describes blood/serum tests for neuropathy:

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/...eralNeurop.htm

I think I need to keep an eye out for sjogrens, and will ask my neuro about more specific tests. I am not due for another 2 months yet. She sees me every 3 months.

Glen, is vaculitis a cause for PN? How does one know if they have vasculitis??

There are many vasculitic diseases that can cause neuropathy as a secondary complication, either through compressive swelling on nerves caused by inflammation, or through ischemic breakdown of blood vessels that support tissue, including nerve, so that nerves no longer get sufficient nutrition, oxygen, or metabolic waste removal.

Nerves affected can be varied, from the small unmyelinated fibers to the largest ones (the latter often happens as a mononeuropathy or mononeuropathy multiplex).

Many of the ANA-related autoimmunities have vasculitic components, so neuropathy can happen in lupus, Sjogren's, Churg-Strauss, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Bechet's disease . . .there's even an entity known as peripheral-nerve specific vasculitis.

The Washington University Neuromuscular site has a good listing of these:

http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromusc...tml#vasculitis

Aussie,
I have ocular myasthenia. All of my vision tests come back normal, but there is a definite problem with my vision. I never go to a regular eye doctor. I see an ophthalmologist. They can see much more behind the eye and are specialists. I have a pseudo tumor behind my left eye and it was only detected by an MRI. You know your own body. Continue to pursue. It could be a very simple thing. I also have chronic blethritis which although not dangerous, can be very irritating and also affects my vision. There are so many things that can cause vision problems. The prednisone that I have been on for 5 months has changed my vision also. Have you changed medications? Check the long term side-effects of any that you may be on. Good luck.
Judy

When I went to optometrist I was given a referal to go see the opthomologist. I didn't make an apptment yet, and was contemplating not
going at all.

But I think I will go ahead and make the apptment. It's probably better to be prudent, than to risk having something pop up with my visoin down the road.

I never go to a regular eye doctor. I see an ophthalmologist. They can see much more behind the eye and are specialists.

Sorry, but I disagree, The only difference is, ophthalmologist do surgeries and optomitrist do not. An optomitrist is just as able to find problems and usually do find the problem first. The doctor I work for, Dr. Zabirowicz is very well known for his wonderful work, his patients love him and most continue to come to him even if their insurance isn't accepted in our office. I would not trust anyone else with my eyes without his approval.

I went a regular eye doc for years until i started having eye problems.
Sorry if you thought I was criticizing them. By no means did I intend to come accross that way.

Sounds like you work for an exceptional doc. There are better than normal docs in all fields.

It seems that I tend to put my foot in my mouth more than not.

I told her what I did and did not tell her what to do. I just said what worked for me and mentioned some things that caused my problems. My experience with my specialist has been positive and that is all I meant.

Judy

Is ok Judy, I just wanted to clear up that point. It is true, I do work for an exceptional doctor. Believe me, he has a few not so great habits, yet he is wonderful to his patients. One time we had this girl come in who thought she had a bad eye infection, there was nothing wrong with her eyes, she had severe emotional problems and needed help. Dr. Z even offered to take her to a doctor who could help her, he was going to drive her there--now that is above and beyond what many doctors will do today.

I didn't mean to sound accusing either, just wanted to throw an opinion out there.

Thanks for responding. That is how misunderstanding start and now we both know we weren't on the same track..........but we are now.
Thanks again and take care,
with warm reqards,
Judy