Background

Peripheral Neuropathies are diseases that affect nerve fibres in the arms and legs. This can leads to numbness, pain, weakness and poor balance. They are quite common in the general population and is a common complication of diabetes for example. On occasion, peripheral neuropathies can be due to a rare condition, such as a genetic disorder or a overactive immune system.

Manchester Centre for Clinical Neuroscience provides a dedicated comprehensive regional peripheral nerve service for both acquired and inherited neuropathies. Within the team are 3 consultant neurologists with 2 specialist nurses. Within this service we provide:

1. We offer tertiary opinions of complex neuropathies with joint neurology/neurophysiology appointments for new patients.
2. We provide diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory, metabolic and inflammatory neuropathies.
3. We have a well-established hospital based intravenous immunoglobulin and home care subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy service.

We are one the largest peripheral nerve services in the country. We have been involved in collaborative research in inflammatory neuropathy, small fibre neuropathy and Charcot Marie Tooth disease with other centres. We are involved in collaborative research with other neuromuscular centres in inflammatory neuropathy and have contributed to multicentre drug trials.

Who we are

Dr David Gosal, Consultant Neurologist
Dr Gosal graduated from University College Cork , National University of Ireland in 1999. He trained in Medicine in the Republic of Ireland and Spent two years between the Dublin Neurological Institute and  Mayo clinic, Jacksonville, Florida where he undertook an MD thesis in neurogenetics. He emigrated to the UK in 2005 to take up a training job in neurology in the North West and became a consultant in 2009. Dr Gosal has an interest in peripheral nerve disorders, with a particular interest in sensory neuropathies.

Dr Tim Lavin, Consultant Neurologist
Dr Lavin graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2006. He completed his general medical training in the North West, before working and travelling in New Zealand for a year. He started his specialist Neurology training in 2011 in the North West gaining experience in general neurology, before developing a special interest in peripheral nerve disorders and medical education. He began as a consultant neurologist with a special interest in peripheral neuropathy in 2017.  Dr Lavin also works with the national NF2 service at the Manchester Centre of Genomic Medicine in addition to general neurology clinics in Bolton.

Dr Tamas Cseh, Consultant Neurologist
Dr Cseh graduated from the University of Pecs, Hungary. He completed his training in Neurology in Hungary before moving to the UK in 2019. He has a special interest in peripheral neuropathies and muscular dystrophies. He is dual trained in Neurophysiology and performs a weekly clinic in Neurophysiology. He assists in the delivery of the joint Neuropathy Transition clinic at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for children transitioning to adult neurology services.

Ms Hannah Smith, Neuromuscular Specialist Nurse
Hannah is a specialist nurse in Neuromuscular Disorders. She has experience in both acute and outpatient neurological practice. She monitors and supports neuropathy patients with the consultants.

Mrs Susan Cooper, Neuromuscular Specialist Nurse
Sue is an experienced specialist nurse across many disciplines currently focused on supporting patients on immunoglobulin treatment.

Useful Webites and Online Videos

What is a Neuropathy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0-HPPUVGdU&list=TLPQMTYwMzIwMjIdtx8N6t3Yeg&index=2

Can Exercise Help with a  Neuropathy?

https://youtu.be/GWidFm9OLFA

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

https://youtu.be/Bu73yAtF0oc

IV Immunoglobulin

https://youtu.be/ijsBhIZ81Mw

Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

https://www.cmt.org.uk/

GAIN Charity Website- Downloadable Information Leaflets on Inflammatory neuropathies such as Guillian Barre Syndrome

http://gaincharity.org.uk/downloads/