Peripheral Neuropathy Flashcards
What is areflexia a cardinal sign of?
peripheral neuropathy
Which sensory modality tends to be lost first?
vibration
What are some signs of autonomic neuropathy?
postural hypotension
impaired gastric emptying
What is psuedoathetosis?
hands held out - fingers just start moving - loss of proprioception so they don’t know where they are in space
What is high stepping gait an indication of?
bilateral foot drop
What are the three subtypes of peripheral neuropathy?
mononeuropathy
mononeuritis multiplex
length dependent peripheral neuropathy
In what manner do nerves die off?
distal to proximal
What is a radiculopathy?
site of injury at the nerve root causing multiple neurological symptoms
What is a plexopathy?
neurological injury at a plexus
Which characteristic sign on EMG is seen in demyelination?
temporal dispersion
How does temporal dispersion arise?
responses arrive at different times causing phase cancellation
What is an example of an acute demyelinating neuropathy?
GBS
What is guillain-barre syndrome?
disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system
Which common cause of food poisoning has an association with GBS?
campylobacter
How is GBS treated?
IV immunoglobulin
plasma exchange
Steroids are useful in GBS - T/F?
False
What is hereditary neuropathy?
inherited condition causing peripheral neuropathy
what is the most common genetic mutation causing HN?
CMT1a
What are some causes of chronic autonomic neuropathy?
diabetes
amyloidosis
hereditary
How is axonal peripheral neuropathy treated?
treat cause
symptomatic - physio, orthotics, neuropathic pain relief
How is vasculitic PN treated?
Pulsed IV -
methylprednisolone
+
cyclophosphamide
How is demyelinating PN treated?
IVIg
Steroids
azathioprine, mycophenalate
cyclophosphamide
