Common Causes of PNS Neuronal Damage

Question 1

Severance or crush injuries (MVAs, industrial accidents etc.)

Answer 1

1. Direct Trauma

Question 2

Traction injuries e.g. stinger/burner

Answer 2

1. Direct Trauma

Question 3

Forcible overextension of a joint or repeated small traumas

Answer 3

1. Direct Trauma

Question 4

(infective neuritis)

Answer 4

2. Infection

Question 5

Improper immobilization
- Poorly fitted crutches leading to axillary
- compression (two finger widths gap is ideal)
- Prolonged cane/walking frame/wheelchair use or inadequate padding can lead to compression of nerves at wrist/in hand e.g. median nerve compression)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, compartment syndromes, meralgia parasthetica, compression by tumors, prolonged postures that compress nerves
- Prolonged pressure at bony prominences (especially on superficial nerves – during sleep, intoxication, bicycle riding)

Answer 5

3. Compression

Question 6

Nerve is tractioned or compressed by bony calluses (e.g. dinner fork deformity caused by Colles Fracture)
- Nerve is caught up in restrictive scar tissue
- Nerve is entrapped in a damaged joint or bone (e.g. shoulder dislocation)
- Iatrogenic inflammation

Answer 6

4. Injury Repair Complications

Question 7

o Diabetes
o AIDS
o polio
o Hansen’s Disease (leprosy)

Answer 7

6. Diseases causing Peripheral Neuropathies