Reply To: How bad do symptoms need to be before tests show abnormality?

Is your knee reflex gone? That was the first test which indicated neuropathy for me, but by that time I could barely stand. My case isn’t comparable, because when I had the spinal fluid test I couldn’t stand at all (it supported the (then) GBS diagnosis. My paralysis was well advanced before I had NCV and EMG tests. The MRI is to rule out other causes, so it should be negative.

A nerve biopsy can be used to support a diagnosis of CIDP in uncertain cases, but it usually isn’t necessary. The presentation of symptoms alone was sufficient for my neurologist to make a preliminary diagnosis.