Peripheral Nerve Disorders Flashcards
What does peripheral neuropathy refer to?
Refers to many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system
How is nerve signaling disrupted in the neuropathy?
Either by loss of signals, inappropriate signaling, or errors that disrupt the messages
What are the symptoms with a motor nerve is damaged?
muscle weakness that can also include painful cramps, fasciculations, muscle atrophy
What are the symptoms when a sensory nerve is damaged?
Various symptom patterns
Loss of vibratory sense
Stocking glove sensation
Loss of reflexes
Loss of position sense
Loss of temperature sensation
Pain
What is autonomic nerve damage associated with
small-fiber neuropathies
What are the symptoms when autonomic nerve is damaged?
Excessive sweating, heat intolerance, inability to expand and contract small blood vessels regulating BP, GI symptoms
Mononeuropathy affects
One nerve
Multiple mononeuropathy or mononeuritis multiplex affects
several discrete nerves
Polyneuropathy affects
Multiple nerves diffusely
Plexopathy affects
a plexus
Radiculopathy affects
a nerve root
What are the two general causes of peripheral neuropathy
Acquired sources (trauma or diabetes) or genetics
Why does diabetes lead to peripheral neuropathy
Excess glucose, nerves are essentially getting drunk off the sugar and lead to nerve damage
What is a common vitamin deficiency that leads to peripheral neuropathy?
Low vitamin B12
HIV can cause what type of neuropathy?
Symptomatic acquired neuropathy
What is a genetic condition that commonly causes inherited peripheral neuropathy?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Are hyperreflexia and hypertonia typically associated with peripheral nerve lesions?
No
What is included in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy?
Medical History
PE with full neurological exam
Labs (CBC, inflammatory markers, CSF)
Genetic tests
Nerve function tests (NCV, EMG)
Neuropathy tests of nerve appearance (nerve biopsy)
Autonomic Testing
Imaging
What is a cause to consider when you see unilateral deficits?
Focal disorders (mononeuropathies, plexopathies)
What is a cause to consider when you see symmetric, diffuse deficits
Diffuse disorders (toxic-metabolic, hereditary, infectious or inflammatory disorders, or immune-mediated disorders)
What diagnostic evaluation is considered the gold standard for diagnosing small fiber neuropathies?
Neurodiagnostic skin biopsy
How are you going to treat peripheral neuropathies?
Address neuropathy causes (glucose control, diet, immunoglobulins)
PT/OT, orthotics, acupuncture, behavioral strategies, TENS unit
How can motor neuron symptoms be treated?
Orthotics, mechanical aids
How can autonomic neuron symptoms be treated?
acupuncture, massage, CBT/psychotherapy, herbal remedies