Impaired glucose tolerance is common in patients with idiopathic sensory neuropathy.
A 128-HZ tuning fork is a simple screening test for peripheral neuropathy and predicts diabetic foot ulcers with the specificity of 90% in the sensitivity of 56%.
Pressure sensation can be determined with a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament.
Patients normally can feel with an intact sensation a 4.17 monofilament, which equates to 1 g of linear pressure.
Sensation is lost when patients cannot feel a 5.07 monofilament or 10 g of linear pressure on the plantar surface of the foot.
Combining superficial pain and temperature has a 87% sensitivity in diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Paresthesia and sensory deficits are characteristic of a small fiber neuropathy.
Other common causes of sensory neuropathy include alcohol use, vitamin deficiency, certain medications.
Many sensory neuropathies remain unexplained.