[Diagnosis and treatment of polyneuropathy: what can the family doctor do?].

Polyneuropathies are common disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Early diagnosis and therapy enables to stop the progression of the polyneuropathy and to ameliorate polyneuropathic symptoms in most cases. Clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose polyneuropathy. However, to reveal the etiology of a polyneuropathy additional diagnostic procedures are necessary. The general practitioner should recognize the signs and symptoms of a polyneuropathy and start necessary investigations. If the etiology of the polyneuropathy is revealed specific therapy can be started. Furthermore, polyneuropathic symptoms can be ameliorated independently of the underlying cause.