Peripheral Neuropathies Flashcards
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is the dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves (cranial and spinal nerves), leading to weakness, pain, or numbness in the affected areas.
What are the three main types of peripheral nerves?
Sensory nerves (control sensation), Motor nerves (control movement), and Autonomic nerves (control organ functions).
What are the main types of peripheral neuropathy?
Mononeuropathy, Mononeuropathy multiplex, and Polyneuropathy.
What is mononeuropathy?
Damage or dysfunction affecting a single peripheral nerve, often due to compression or trauma.
What is mononeuropathy multiplex?
Damage to two or more peripheral nerves in separate areas, often caused by systemic diseases like diabetes or vasculitis.
What is polyneuropathy?
A diffuse peripheral nerve disorder affecting multiple nerves, usually bilaterally and symmetrically.
What are the common causes of peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins, vitamin deficiencies, and hereditary disorders.
What are common causes of mononeuropathy?
Compression (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome), trauma, infections, and inflammatory conditions.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
What is peroneal nerve palsy?
Compression of the peroneal nerve, causing foot drop and sensory deficits in the lower leg.
What is radial nerve palsy?
Also known as ‘Saturday night palsy,’ it causes wrist drop due to compression of the radial nerve.
What is ulnar nerve palsy?
Compression of the ulnar nerve, leading to weakness and numbness in the hand, often causing a ‘claw hand’ deformity.
What are the main clinical features of peripheral neuropathy?
Pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes.
How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?
Clinical evaluation, electrodiagnostic tests (EMG/NCS), laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
What are electrodiagnostic tests used for neuropathy?
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve function and classify neuropathy.
What laboratory tests are useful for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy?
Complete blood count, blood glucose, HbA1c, vitamin B12, thyroid function tests, and serum protein electrophoresis.
What are the treatment options for peripheral neuropathy?
Treat underlying causes, pain management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
What medications are used for neuropathic pain?
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin), and topical agents.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
An acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy causing rapidly progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.
What are the key features of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Ascending weakness, areflexia, autonomic dysfunction, and respiratory involvement in severe cases.
How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome treated?
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
What is chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)?
A chronic autoimmune demyelinating polyneuropathy with a slow, relapsing course.
What are the treatment options for CIDP?
Corticosteroids, IVIG, plasma exchange, and immunosuppressants.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
A common complication of diabetes affecting peripheral nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.