Peripheral Neuropathy

Question 1

Which 3 ways are used to classify polyneuropathies?

Answer 1

Course:

• acute
• chronic

Function:

• sensory
• motor
• autonomic
• mixed

Pathology:

• demyelination
• axonal degeneration

Question 2

What is the usual pattern of distribution in polyneuropathies?

Answer 2

Symmetrical + widespread
Often with DISTAL weakness and sensory loss
–> glove and stocking distribution

Question 3

Give some examples of metabolic causes

Answer 3

Diabetes (most common)
Renal failure
Hypothyroidism
Hypoglycaemia

Question 4

Give some examples of inflammatory causes

Answer 4

Guillain-Barre syndrome
Sarcoidosis
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Vasculitis

Question 5

Give some examples of infectious causes

Answer 5

Leprosy
HIV
Syphilis
Lyme disease
Varicella zoster
Herpes
CMV

Question 6

Give some examples of nutritional causes

Answer 6

B12 or folate deficiency

Too much B6

Question 7

Give some examples of inherited causes

Answer 7

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy)
Porphyria (skin and nerves)

Question 8

Give some examples of drugs which cause peripheral neuropathies?

Answer 8

Alcohol
Isoniazid
Phenytoin
Amiodarone
Nitrofurantoin
Metronidazole

Question 9

What are the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy?

Answer 9

Dizziness due to postural hypotension
Erectile dysfunction
Nausea and vomiting (gastroparesis)
Reduced sweating
Urinary retention
Horner's syndrome

Question 10

What is Guillain-barre syndrome?

Answer 10

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Usually after an infection
Symmetrical ascending muscle weakness

Question 11

What is mononeuritis multiplex?

Answer 11

2 random, separate nerve areas affected

e.g. due to scarring from vasculitis