What tests should be recommended for severe neuropathy when diabetes isn't the cause?
Since the A1C of 5.6 rules out diabetes as the cause, a primary care physician should test for monoclonal proteins that can cause peripheral neuropathy in myeloma patients.
The key tests to recommend include:
- Serum protein Show Full Answer
What tests should be recommended for severe neuropathy when diabetes isn't the cause?
Since the A1C of 5.6 rules out diabetes as the cause, a primary care physician should test for monoclonal proteins that can cause peripheral neuropathy in myeloma patients.
The key tests to recommend include:
- Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) - This blood test identifies abnormal proteins in the blood that may indicate myeloma or related conditions
- Urine protein electrophoresis - This checks for light chains (Bence-Jones proteins) being lost in urine
- Blood calcium levels - High calcium can be a sign of myeloma
- Complete blood count - To check for anemia without another identifiable cause
These tests help determine if a monoclonal gammopathy like myeloma is causing the severe neuropathy. The doctor may also check total protein levels, as an increase can prompt more specific testing.
If monoclonal proteins are found, referral to a hematologist or oncologist specializing in myeloma would be the next step for further evaluation and treatment planning.
January 25
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