Neuropathy Basics Flashcards
What is a neuropathy?
Functional or pathological changes in the peripheral nervous system
What is compression neuropathy?
Process where a nerve becomes entrapped as it passes through a narrow tunnel or passage Can occur at any site along the nerve
Biomechanical causes of compression neuropathy
Space occupying lesion - Herniated disc or cyst
Degenerative causes - foraminal stenosis
Post-traumatic causes - Fracture and hematoma
Mechanical causes - Muscle spasm and pinching
Systemic causes of compression neuropathy
- Pregnancy
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
Structure of an Axon
Pathogenic Changes to Axon
Ischemia
Thickening of epineurium
Myelin thinning distortion
Microtubule Closure
Axonal degeneration
Nerve Damage: 1st Degree
Neuropraxia
Focal damage of myelin fibers arounf axons
Connective tissue sheath remains intact
Recovery: Days to weeks - less severe
Nerve Damage: 2nd Degree
Axonotmesis
Some disruption/injury to the axon itself
Myelin sheath remains intact
Recovery: Is possible but takes months
Nerve Damage: 3rd Degree
Neurotmesis
Disruption of axon and endoneurium
Recovery: Cannot occur as intraneural fibrosis occurs
Nerve Damage: 4th Degree
Neurotmesis
Disruption og axon, endoneurium, and perineurium (nerve fasciculi)
Large area of intraneural scarring at the injury site - Stops any nerve regeneration distal to the injury
Surgery required to restore neural continuity
Nerve Damage: 5th Degree
Neurotmesis
Whole nerve from the axon to the epineurium is damaged
Perineural hemorrhage and scarring occurs
Surgery required to restore neural continuity
Radiculopathy
Presents in neck andradiateds down a specific pattern on arm
Numbness, weakness, decreased reflexes related to cervical levels
Positive Spurling’s test
Causes of Radiculopathy
Impingement of nerve at the level of the cervical spine due to a disc disease, disc herniation, degenerative arthritis
Radiculopathy testing
Spurling’s Test
MRI of Cervical Spine and maybe upper extremity
EMG (cheaper than MRI)
Radiculopathy - C Spine: Contralaterial Traction, Supine