[Synnove]

I have a question:

I had EMG and NCS of all extremeties yesterday, all positive for long and small fiber neuropathy.
Then the neurologist ordered 17 different blood tests. One was Anti-Hu Antibodies. I do not understandthis test.

any suggestions?
Thanks

[mrsD]

This explains:
http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/0051090.jsp

Some PN is due to hidden cancers, which secrete various antibodies and peptides. PN of this type is called paraneoplastic PN. It is not really common, but it does happen.

[Synnove]

thank you Mrs. D
Ireas up a little regarding paraneoplastic syndrome. I guess, if there is Anti-Hu antibodies, then it gives the doctor something to focus on for further testing. I am wondering if it has anything to do with the fact that there were 2 small nodules on my ct scan of lungs?
I guess , it is a process of elimination.
These nodules did not seem to bother the pulmonologists.
I did not discuss the blood test with the doctor, because he just enters the orders, and I only see the print out. I made sure to make a copy, so I can find out. I have to wait. All these test will take 10 - 12 days to result.
Thanks for the link

[hopeful]

I think ordering the Anti-Hu testing is standard with PN. My doctor ordered it when I first saw him and a few times in the first few years. I hope it all works out for you!

[glenntaj]

--an anti-Hu panel is standard among neurologists who actually know about potential causes of neuropathy, as would be tests for antibodies to peripheral nerve (anti-sulfatide, anti-MAG, anti-GQ1, anti-GM, etc.)

The Latov/Quest clinical application paper has a list of these:

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/test...ripheralNeurop

[Synnove]

glenntaj, thank you for the link to the the Quest list. That is just what I needed. Had not found any link like that.

Thanks again.

[tarheel15]

Hello. I am a 32 year old physician (radiologist) and am seeking advice on neuropathic symptoms which developed immediately after a flu vaccine in Oct 2012. I have had progressive burning pain involving upper/lower extremities, face, scalp and ears. I also developed tinnitus and sharp/stabbing pains in the pelvis. I have had an extensive negative neurologic/immunologic/rheumatologic workup. Negative labs (including all the labs listed on the Quest diagnostics site posted by Glenntaj), negative imaging (MRI of brain and total spine), negative EMGs and normal Therapath skin punch biopsies.
I was completely healthy prior to the vaccine. The neurologists I have seen at Duke feel that this is certainly a post-vaccine polyneuropathy, likely small fiber. My skin biopsy tests showed normal ENFD and normal sweat glands.

Currently, I am taking 900 mg neurontin (I don't think this helps much at all), 10 mg Lexapro (anxiety due to this condition) and 0.5 mg Ativan at bedtime to help sleep. Supplements include Vitamin D 5000 IU, Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) 1000 mcg, Acetyl-l-Carnitine 500 mg QD. I honestly don't like to take prescription meds but the pain is unbearable at times. The sharp stabbing pains in my pelvis (rectal and pubic regions) are often debilitating. I've even had GI and urology workups (including colonoscopy and CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis) all of which came back normal. No one can seem to figure this out and tie it all together. This has been very frustating - I am trying to work a near full time schedule. The constant pain with insomnia etc.. has lead to depression and anxiety. Often times I feel hopeless despite being a very spiritual person otherwise.
Any support/suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated. Please note that most physicians have never heard of small fiber neuropathy. Thanks.