Plasma cell dyscrasias are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Peri- pheral neuropathy may be the first manifestation of multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Peripheral neuropathy occurs in more than one-half of patients with osteosclerotic myeloma. The hematologic disorders are such an important association with peripheral polyneuropathy that, for the last decade, we have obtained a metastatic bone survey and immunoelectrophoresis of serum and a 24-hour urine specimen on all patients older than 40 years with undiagnosed peripheral neuropathy. This textbook on polyneuropathies and plasma cell dyscrasia is welcome, because the subject is of considerable medical importance and because the authors are expert in these disorders. Kelly's studies have shown that a systematic search for monoclonal proteins in plasma and urine among patients with neuropathy of unknown cause increases diagnostic yield. Latov's studies have focused on the role of myelin associated glycoproteins (MAG) in the induction of neuropathy. Kyle, director of the Special Protein Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, brings a broad clinical and laboratory perspective and experi- ence. The timing of the textbook is just right, because there is much new information which needs to be summarized.

Plasma cell dyscrasias are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Peri- pheral neuropathy may be the first manifestation of multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Peripheral neuropathy occurs in more than one-half of patients with osteosclerotic myeloma. The hematologic disorders are such an important association with peripheral polyneuropathy that, for the last decade, we have obtained a metastatic bone survey and immunoelectrophoresis of serum and a 24-hour urine specimen on all patients older than 40 years with undiagnosed peripheral neuropathy. This textbook on polyneuropathies and plasma cell dyscrasia is welcome, because the subject is of considerable medical importance and because the authors are expert in these disorders. Kelly's studies have shown that a systematic search for monoclonal proteins in plasma and urine among patients with neuropathy of unknown cause increases diagnostic yield. Latov's studies have focused on the role of myelin associated glycoproteins (MAG) in the induction of neuropathy. Kyle, director of the Special Protein Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, brings a broad clinical and laboratory perspective and experi- ence. The timing of the textbook is just right, because there is much new information which needs to be summarized.

Peripheral neuropathy affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S, including ten per cent of all people who have diabetes. This condition has numerous causes, but can be associated with diseases such as HIV, alcoholism, and lupus, and may result from treatments for other medical conditions, such as cancer chemotherapy. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling in the extremities. Although a widespread condition, most people don't know about it, and when diagnosed find it difficult to obtain information. Peripheral Neuropathy, by Norman Latov, Professor of Neurology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains what we know about neuropathy, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it.

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common diseases most people never heard of and yet, upwards of 20 million Americans have it It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe neuropathy. That fact alone is staggering. Other causes include vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, kidney, liver or thyroid disorders, cancer and a variety of other medical conditions.

According to the Neuropathy Association the extent and importance of peripheral neuropathy has not yet been adequately recognized. The disease is apt to be misdiagnosed, or thought to be merely a side effect of another disease. However, people from all walks of life live with this neurological illness that has been described by those who have it as a tingling or burning sensation in their limbs, pins and needles and numbness.

"You Can Cope with Peripheral Neuropathy: 365 Tips for Living a Full Life" was written by both a patient-expert and doctor and is a welcome addition to the information on this subject. It covers such diverse topics as:

What to ask at doctor appointments Making the house easier to navigate with neuropathy Where to find a support group Using vitamins and herbs for treatment Tips for traveling And much, much more

"You Can Cope With Peripheral Neuropathy" is a compendium of tips, techniques, and life-task shortcuts that will help everyone who lives with this painful condition. It will also serve as a useful resource for their families, caregivers, and health care providers.

Peripheral neuropathy affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S, including ten per cent of all people who have diabetes. This condition has numerous causes, but can be associated with diseases such as HIV, alcoholism, and lupus, and may result from treatments for other medical conditions, such as cancer chemotherapy. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling in the extremities. Although a widespread condition, most people don't know about it, and when diagnosed find it difficult to obtain information.

"Peripheral Neuropathy," by Norman Latov, Professor of Neurology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains what we know about neuropathy, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered include:

The causes of peripheral neuropathy Drug therapy for the condition itself and for managing symptoms such as pain Interventional therapy Caring for your feet Personal accounts of people living with neuropathy Alternative medicines, and much more

This indispensable guide will help millions of people understand this condition so that they can take control of their lives and make informed decisions. In addition, it will be a useful resource for their families, caregivers, and health care providers.