3. Peripheral neuropathy Flashcards
How common is it?
Very - 1 in 10
Who does it affect?
Diabetics
Other health conditions
What causes it?
Peripheral nerves become damaged
Diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, low B12, trauma, hypothyroidism, shingles
Some medicines can cause it eg chemotherapy
What risk factors are there?
Poorly controlled diabetes
Smoking
Alcohol
Increasing age
What signs may the patient have on examination?
Diminished sensation in neurological examination
What other conditions might present similarly?
B12 deficiency
Hypothyroidism
Alcoholism
What other conditions might present similarly?
B12 deficiency
Hypothyroidism
Alcoholism
Trauma
What treatments are there?
Control diabetes and risk factors
What complications are there?
Infected foot ulcers –> gangrene
Amputation may be required
