Neuropathy

Question 1

What is the official name of diabetic neuropathy?

Answer 1

DSPN - Distal Symmetric Polynueropathy

Question 2

What percentage of patients with diabetic neuropathy experience pain?

Answer 2

15% - 20%

Question 3

True or False: Symptomatic neuropathy is usually reversible.

Answer 3

False. Symptomatic neuropathy is usually NOT reversible.

Question 4

Name common neuropathy differential diagnoses in the following categories: metabolic, toxic, diffuse motor without sensory, and inflammatory/infectious.

Answer 4

Metabolic:
- DM (most common)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Hypothyroidism

Toxic:
- Alcohol

Diffuse Motor:
- Guillain-Barre
- Myasthenia Gravis

Inflammatory/Infectious:
- Sarcoidosis
- Lyme disease

Question 5

What measures can be taken to prevent neuropathy?

Answer 5

Glycemic control

Modify risk factors:
- BMI
- BP/HTN
- A1C
- smoking cessation/avoidance
- reduce ETOH intake

Foot care

Question 6

What are the pharmacological treatments for neuropathy by class?

Answer 6

SNRIs:
- duloxetine
- venlafaxine

TCAs:
- amitriptyline
- desipramine
- nortriptyline

Gabapentinoid:
- pregabalin
- gabapentin