Neuropathies outpatient Clinic
The scope of the Clinic is the clinical-laboratory evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and palliative therapy of patients suffering from neuropathies, primarily of immune etiology. The Clinic is integrated with the inpatient ward of Neuromuscular Disorders.
Immune neuropathies are rare inflammatory disorders of the Peripheral Nervous System. T-cell, B-cell activation and innate immunity are putative pathogenetic mechanisms. Most of them may response to immunomodulating or immunosuppressive treatment modalities. CIDP, GBS, anti-gangliosides neuropathies (like anti-MAG-SGPG, anti-GM1) are the commonest immune neuropathies.
CIDP is a chronic progressive (beyond 2 months) or relapsing symmetrical muscular weakness of the upper and lower limbs attended by sensory symptoms (like pain, paresthesias or dysesthesias). There is also arreflexia and demyelinating features in ENG. GBS is an acute (days-4weeks) symmetrical muscular weakness attended by arreflexia. There is often cranial neuritis, serious autonomous symptoms and respiratory distress. Pain may be a devastating symptom. Immunomodulatory drugs (like corticosteroids, IV immunoglobin or plasmaphairesis) are indicated. Corticosteroids must be avoided in GBS.
The anti- MAG-SGPG polyneuropathy is a low progressive (beyond 6 months) mild symmetrical, particularly sensory, distal demyelinating neuropathy attended rarely by mild distal muscular weakness. In most of cases there is an IgM monoclonal protein in patients’ serum. The most characteristic features are sensory ataxia and very often tremor. MMN is an IgM anti-GM1 neuropathy. It is a progressive focal or multi focal muscular weakness with serious demyelination (conduction block) in the ENG. There are no sensory signs and reflexes are absent only in the offended areas. Immunosupressive drugs like Endoxan or Rituximab are indicated.
The Clinic also teaches students and educates postgraduated neurologists. Research studies are carried out resulting in several publications-communications in medical journals and congresses
Associate Professor in Neurology M.Rentzos is Head of the Clinic.
Tel.: 210-7251315