Peripheral neuropathy

Question 1

Which conditions fall under the categories of acute and chronic demyelinating neuropathy?

Answer 1

ACUTE
Guillain- Barre syndrome

CHRONIC
CIDP and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Question 2

What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Answer 2

Immune mediated demyelination of the peripheral nervous system

Question 3

How does Guillain-Barre syndrome present?

Answer 3

Sensory symptoms (tingling and pain)

Progressive paraplegia of all 4 limbs over days to weeks

Areflexia

Question 4

Guillain Barre Syndrome is commonly associated with occurring after which infection?

Answer 4

Campylobacter

Question 5

When do symptoms peak in Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 5

10-14 days after the onset of the illness.

Question 6

How is Guillain Barre syndrome investigated?

Answer 6

Neurophysiology

Question 7

What treatment can be used for Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 7

IV immunoglobulins (the earlier these are given the better)

Question 8

Which condition is more insidious in onset, over weeks to months and is often thought of as the chronic version of GBS?

Answer 8

CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy)

Question 9

What are some of the clinical features of autonomic neuropathy?

Answer 9

Impotence

Inability to sweat

Postural hypotension