http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromuscular/naltbrain.html

This website is a must visit for any one dealing with neurological problems.

--this has been up in the Useful Websites area since we started--but thanks for pointing it out (I'm not sure how many people go through all the stuff in that section).

Hi Glenntaj

I put it up because it seems we have a lot of new members and new questions that I know we have hashed over, probably in years gone by.

So many of the same issues resurface.

Neurowustl is just a really good place to start.

It is kind of like, Neuropathy 101...don't you think? For folks new to the site, it is the first of many learning experiences.

I also suggest:

The Neuropathy Association's index of neuropathy at www.neuropathy.org (I'm not fond of the way the Association often handles itself, but the databse of papers about neuropathy types is useful)

The Poncelet protocols for neuropathy diagnosis at http://www.aafp.org/afp/980215ap/poncelet.html

Dr. Latov's clinical paper on serum testing for neuropathy at http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/...eralNeurop.htm

Dr. Alan Berger's (from Jacksonville Shands) neuropathy summary at
http://www.dcmsonline.org/jax-medici...uropathies.htm

And Liza Jane's spreadsheets at www.lizajane.org


Those interested in studying certain causes in more detail can go to such places as Rose's B12 website and the Gluten File.

I love Washington University's neuromuscular database, and have spent many hours there, but I have heard complaints that it's very technical and written in doctor-ese shorthand, and that's not easy for everyone to get through.

summarize key web sites for newcomers. The 'stickies' are chock full of good info, but it's a first-come, first-posted kind of format.
To newcomers tho even the Washington University site can be whelming, if not overwhelming, particularly if you have no 'language basics' in terms of testing, diagnostics or even how symptoms are defined.
That is why I first recommend: http://www.neuroexam.com/content.php?p=2

Which is a basic outline of what a neuro does on first, second, third and more visits....That, in conjunction with LizaJane's worksheets help one map out, what is being done, and why. Also keep track of it all.
Next I recommend the Poncelet protocols, as they take the 'neuropathy' aspects a step further, once other diagnosable issues can be ruled out, either in part or whole. Then on to the more squirrelley stuff?

However, I encourage many, and often that one try and read this article on 'dermatology': http://telemedicine.org/stamford.htm While this specific paper/tutorial deals specifically with diabetic neuropathies, many of the chemistries, metabolism dynamics and the affects/effects relating to our lymph and vascular systems is important to know and understand. Especially when it comes to the BURNING when COLD and vice-versa.

These I feel are what should be considered 'foundations' or 'stepping-stones' to understanding more about what is happening to us, then what to do about it all. All also are in pretty basic ENGLISH, tho full of med-speak, with a med dictionary and thesaurus on hand [the descriptions of our pain are fraught with synomyms!] and a concerted effort, it all CAN be figgered out.

I am not, mind you knocking the Washington University site at all! To me, it's as good as peanut butter! It's just it can be a real bear to wrestle if you don't have a clue about the language [That was my case!]...just takes a bit of map-reading type 'orientation'.

Hope these help! - j

Thanks for posting more info....I think we all get to know each other....our threads start to ramble....I am one of the worst regarding getting off topic...so for newcomers, every now and then if we put up our sources, they don't have to wade thru our 'diaries' and daily trials and tribulations to get some basic info that they need stat.

That said, it is good that members DO take the time to personally greet and answer questions for new folks.

I know when I am looking for info, it is so helpful to be able to hit a bunch of links and get quick info.

Yes, yes....LJ's sheets need to reappear off and on as a new thread or with a Neuro 101, for folks too....that is so much info people need, and so much work went into those. That is also info that folks may need stat.

If any one sees a lot of new folks on the board....and it has been a while, post it up. I just noticed a lot of new names on here with questions I know we have hashed over and over...but to find them in the threads is hard. I know it is redundant for us 'old timers'....speaking of---check out Mel's off topic post...it's hysterical.

I have checked out Mel's site, GOOD!

But, us saying HI to newbies, and giving them both welcome mats, that of info to start with/from; and that of knowing a sense of who we are and get a handle on the 'Communities' dynamics' helps a person feel less intimidated.
I appreciate this aspect as when I first encountered boards, I was kind of brushed off as 'not being PN or not being purely Immune' I tried to just learn more about both, and I hope I've learned from all here and then some?

Also there are many boards out there that do little other than 'pat' each other on the back for having survived...due to their constrictions filter wise, they aren't as free to exchange medical, web, and other sites as we are able to do here. I exclude a few boards, those who have excellent support and true respect for others totally. Such places, including this one, are rare animals indeed! And, SEE? I too can get OT really quickly, but this IS something that must be said! - j

I agree that the http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromuscular/naltbrain.html site is awesome. There is just so much there and I can now appreciate it much more.

I must say when all this neuro stuff was new to me only four months ago, that site seemed overwhelming! However after breaking it down into sections and reading what was most applicable for that particular moment it became much more manageable. It took me a while to get a handle on it - not so much the content but the layout.

Now it is so familiar to me and such a useful resource!