L8 Neuropathy Flashcards

1
Q

what is peripheral neuropathy

A

refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what nerves does neuropathy affect

A

motor, sensory or autonomic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what is polyneuropathy

A

damage or disease affecting peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy) in roughly the same areas on both sides of the body, featuring weakness, numbness, and burning pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what are features of polyneuropathy

A
  • longest nerves most
  • vulnerable (distal and symmetrical)
  • nerves are trophic to muscle (muscle wasting)
  • involved in reflex arc (reduced reflexes)
  • sensory nerves similarly vulnerable (distal sensory loss)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what does NCS/EMG tell you

A
  • if neuropathy is present
  • if sensory, motor, mixed is involved
  • what is the pattern: symmetry, length, focal/multifocal
  • is pathology axonal or demyelinating
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

what are symptoms, signs, tests, and caveats when the motor part is involved in the PNS

A

symptoms: tripping, feet slapping, hand weakness
signs: distal weakness and wasting
tests: reduced amplitude of NCS, neurogenic EMG
caveats: apparent weakness from sensory loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what are symptoms, signs, tests, and caveats when the sensory (small fibre) part is involved in the PNS

A

symptoms: numb feet, burns, ulcers (neuropathic pain)
signs: loss of vibration sensation (and pinprick)
tests: reduced amplitudes on sensory NCS (may be normal)
caveats: few symptoms in inherited

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what are symptoms, signs, tests, and caveats when the autonomic part is involved in the PNS

A

symptoms: fainting, loss of sweating, impotence
signs: postural BP drop, loss of sweating
tests: autonomic function tests

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

how do you know if the neuropathy is acquired?

A
acute or sub acute
monophasic or relapsing remitting
exposure history
asymmetrical
adult onset
positive sensory symptoms
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

how do you know if the neuropathy is inherited

A
longstanding
progressive
family history
symmetrical
childhood onset
few sensory symptoms
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what is charcot marie tooth disease?

A

group of inherited conditions that damage the peripheral nerves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

does it affect sensory or motor of charcot marie tooth
how is it classified
what is its forms

A

both

classified according to neurophysiology. type 1: demyelinating, velocity <38m/s. type 2: axonal, conduction velocity >38m/s

forms: dominant, recessive, X-linked

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

what is the prevalence charcot marie tooth

how does it progress

A

1:2500

gradually progressive length dependant weakness and numbness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

how many genes can cause charcot marie tooth disease, what therapy is available

A

over 60 different genes could cause it

no specific therapy exists, treatment trials are hampered by insensitive outcome measures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what is the clinical approach to neuropathy

A

does patient have neuropathy
what parts (autonomic,sensory,motor) or other organ systems involved
is it acquired or inherited
is it axonal or demyelinating

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

what is the typical presentation of peripheral neuropathy

A
  • distal weakness with muscle wasting
  • distal sensory loss
  • absent or reduced reflexes
17
Q

what is the purpose of nerve conduction studies

A
  • confirm the presence of a neuropathy
  • define motor and sensory involvement
  • determine the anatomical pattern of involvement
  • show evidence of demyelination