Peripheral Neuropathy Flashcards
What is it?
Disorders of the Peripheral or Cranial Nerves
How is it distributed?
Distribution is usually symmetrical
What does it cause? (2)
Distal weakness and sensory loss
What are the 3 main patterns of neuropathy?
- Acute Symmetrical
- Chronic Symmetrical
- Multiple mononeuropathy
What happens to the nerves? (2)
They undergo axonal degeneration or demyelination
What conditions affect the motor nerves? (3)
Guillain Barre, Lead Poisoning, Charcot Marie Tooth
What conditions affect Sensory Nerves?
Diabetes, Renal Failure, Leprosy
Is it common?
Affects 24 people per 1000
What is the usual course of the disease?
They are usually chronic and develop over several months
What are the symptoms of sensory neuropathy? (8)
The feet are usually affected first, numbness, pins and needles, burning, loss of vibration sense, loss of propioception, signs of joint trauma, joint deformation
What are the symptoms of motor neuropathy? (7)
Often progressive, weak, clumsy, difficulty walking and balancing, muscle atrophy, wrist and foot drop, absent reflexes
What are the symptoms of Autonomic neuropathy? (7)
Constipation, loss of bladder/bowel control, orthostatic hypotension, pale/dry skin, sweating, erectile dysfunction, Horner’s
What bloods would you do? (8)
FBC, ESR, U&E, LFT, TSH, B12, Blood Glucose, Folate
Other Investigations (7)
Neurophysiology studies, CXR, Urinalysis, LP, Nerve Biopsy, Genetic testing, Antiganglioside Autoantibodies
What is the treatment? (8)
Specific treatments depend on the cause, foot care, weight reduction, walking aids, splints, occupational and physiotherapy, Analgesics if painful neuropathy e.g Amitriptyline, Gabapentin etc, Steroids
