How We Diagnose Peripheral Neuropathy

While some patients may have already received a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy from their physician, our center is equipped to perform a range of sensory, motor, and circulatory tests to determine the causes of your peripheral symptoms and assess your ability to heal.

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) is a non-invasive test using air plethysmography to gather information about the arterial pressure in the arms and legs. It is used to detect the presence of peripheral arterial disease and the location of occlusive lesions in the limbs.

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) measures the ratio of the blood pressure at the ankle, and the Toe Brachial Index (TBI) measures the blood pressure of the big toe. These measurements are then compared to the blood pressure in the upper arm (brachial artery) to assess the blood flow from the legs to the feet and toes. For those experiencing neuropathy in their hands, a Digital Brachial Index (DBI) measures the blood pressure in the fingers, comparing it to the pressure in the brachial artery to assess the blood flow in the arms. The ABI, TBI, and DBI can help determine whether you have peripheral arterial disease (hardening or calcifications of the arteries).

The QSART test (also known as a sweat test) is used to measure the functioning of the autonomic nervous system that controls the body’s blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, body temperature, and sweating. Mild electrical stimulation of the skin stimulates the sweat glands, which assists in determining if there is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system.

The SPP is used to measure the blood flow in the very small vessels of the feet to see if there is sufficient blood flow to the nerves. This test will assess if these tiny blood vessels are blocked or damaged or if a wound is getting enough blood to heal.