title: Evaluating the patient with peripheral nervous system complaints.
abstract: Patients commonly seek care from their family physicians for symptoms that are suggestive of peripheral nervous system (PNS) dysfunction. At some point in active practice, virtually all family physicians will be required to conduct at least an initial evaluation of a patient with PNS. The authors outline and describe common themes found in the symptoms and diagnoses of PNS dysfunctions. These themes may be useful to physicians when performing initial evaluations of patients with PNS dysfunctions. The authors also discuss diagnostic methods and effective therapeutic interventions for this population.
authors.affiliation: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, MC H037, Hershey, PA 17033-2360, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Milind J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kothari
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010808:Physical Examination