Neuropathy

Question 1

what is mononeuropathy

Answer 1

single peripheral nerve affected by pathology

Question 2

what is polyneuropathy

Answer 2

several symmetrical nerves affected by pathology

Question 3

what is mononeuritis multiplex

Answer 3

when 2 or more peripheral nerves are affected

Question 4

through what pathological mechanisms can neuropathy occur

Answer 4

demyelination e.g. Gillian Barre Syndrome
axonal degeneration e.g. drugs, alcohol, lead
infarction e.g. diabetes
compression
infiltration e.g. malignancy

Question 5

pneumonic to remember causes of peripheral neuropathy

Answer 5

ABCDE

A= alcohol
B= B12 deficiency
C= Cancer, CKD
D= Diabetes, Drugs
E= Every Vasculitis

Question 6

what drugs can cause neuropathy

Answer 6

isoniazid
amiodarone 
cisplatin
nitrofurantoin 
metronidazole

Question 7

what is meralgia parasthetica

Answer 7

neuropathy of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

• numbness of outer thigh
• typically caused by pregnancy

Question 8

what nerve is damaged in foot drop

Answer 8

common peroneal nerve

Question 9

what nerve is damaged in wrist drop

Answer 9

radial nerve

Question 10

what is Guillian Barre syndrome

Answer 10

inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Question 11

what triggers Guillian Barre

Answer 11

Infection – CMV, EBV, campylobacter

Question 12

symptoms of Guillian Barre

Answer 12

symmetrical limb weakness (starts at feet and moves up body)
peripheral sensory loss
reduced reflexes

Question 13

investigation of Guillian Barre

Answer 13

Nerve conduction studies

- slow conduction

Question 14

management of Guillian Barre

Answer 14

IV Immunoglobulins

Question 15

what is a leading cause of death in Guillian Barre

Answer 15

PE

- give VTE prophylaxis

Question 16

what is charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Answer 16

hereditary condition that affects peripheral motor + sensory axons

Question 17

sings/symptoms of charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Answer 17

pes cavus (high foot arches)
bilateral foot drop 
distal muscle wasting
lower limb weakness
reduced muscle tone + reflexes

Question 18

weakness of foot dorsiflexion, ankle eversion + inversion and reduced sensation in 1st webspace is caused by neuropathy of which nerve root

Answer 18

L5 neuropathy

Question 19

weakness of hip flexion + knee extension is caused by neuropathy of which nerve

Answer 19

femoral nerve

Question 20

neuropathy + raised gamma GT is suggestive of what

Answer 20

alcoholic peripheral neuropathy