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American Family Physician Dec 2020Peripheral neuropathy, a common neurologic problem encountered by family physicians, can be classified clinically by the anatomic pattern of presenting symptoms and, if...
Peripheral neuropathy, a common neurologic problem encountered by family physicians, can be classified clinically by the anatomic pattern of presenting symptoms and, if indicated, by results of electrodiagnostic studies for axonal and demyelinating disease. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in the general population ranges from 1% to 7%, with higher rates among those older than 50 years. Common identifiable causes include diabetes mellitus, nerve compression or injury, alcohol use, toxin exposure, hereditary diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. Peripheral neuropathy is idiopathic in 25% to 46% of cases. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive history, physical examination, and judicious laboratory testing. Early peripheral neuropathy may present as sensory alterations that are often progressive, including sensory loss, numbness, pain, or burning sensations in a "stocking and glove" distribution of the extremities. Later stages may involve proximal numbness, distal weakness, or atrophy. Physical examination should include a comprehensive neurologic and musculoskeletal evaluation. If the peripheral nervous system is identified as the likely source of the patient's symptoms, evaluation for potential underlying etiologies should initially focus on treatable causes. Initial laboratory evaluation includes a complete blood count; a comprehensive metabolic profile; fasting blood glucose, vitamin B12, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels; and serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation. If the initial evaluation is inconclusive, referral to a neurologist for additional testing (e.g., electrodiagnostic studies, specific antibody assays, nerve biopsy) should be considered. Treatment of peripheral neuropathy focuses on managing the underlying etiology. Several classes of medications, including gabapentinoids and antidepressants, can help alleviate neuropathic pain.
Topics: Diabetic Neuropathies; Diagnosis, Differential; Family Practice; Humans; Medical History Taking; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Physical Examination
PubMed: 33320513
DOI: No ID Found -
The Medical Clinics of North America Mar 2019Peripheral neuropathy is a commonly encountered disorder in clinical practice. In light of an aging population and the diabetes and obesity pandemic, the prevalence of... (Review)
Review
Peripheral neuropathy is a commonly encountered disorder in clinical practice. In light of an aging population and the diabetes and obesity pandemic, the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is increasing, posing a significant public health concern. This article provides a diagnostic framework for neuropathies and summarizes treatment options.
Topics: Analgesics; Biopsy; Complementary Therapies; Diabetic Neuropathies; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 30704689
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2018.10.006 -
Muscle & Nerve Mar 2021Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both global health challenges with well-established diagnostic criteria and significant impacts on... (Review)
Review
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both global health challenges with well-established diagnostic criteria and significant impacts on quality of life. Clinical observations, epidemiologic evidence, and animal models of disease have strongly suggested MetS is associated with an elevated risk for cryptogenic sensory peripheral neuropathy (CSPN). MetS neuropathy preferentially affects small unmyelinated axons early in its course, and it may also affect autonomic and large fibers. CSPN risk is linked to MetS and several of its components including obesity, dyslipidemia, and prediabetes. MetS also increases neuropathy risk in patients with established type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In this review we present animal data regarding the role of inflammation and dyslipidemia in MetS neuropathy pathogenesis. Several studies suggest exercise-based lifestyle modification is a promising treatment approach for MetS neuropathy.
Topics: Bariatric Surgery; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Neuropathies; Diet Therapy; Disease Progression; Dyslipidemias; Exercise; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Prediabetic State; Risk Factors; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Topiramate
PubMed: 33098165
DOI: 10.1002/mus.27086 -
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology Dec 2019Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is a leading cause of lower-limb amputation and disabling neuropathic... (Review)
Review
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is a leading cause of lower-limb amputation and disabling neuropathic pain. Amputations in patients with diabetes have a devastating effect on quality of life and are associated with an alarmingly low life expectancy (on average only 2 years from the amputation). Amputation also places a substantial financial burden on health-care systems and society in general. With the introduction of national diabetes eye screening programmes, the prevalence of blindness in working-age adults is falling. This is not the case, however, with diabetes related amputations. In this Review, we appraise innovative point-of-care devices that enable the early diagnosis of DPN and assess the evidence for early risk factor-based management strategies to reduce the incidence and slow the progression of DPN. We also propose a framework for screening and early multifactorial interventions as the best prospect for preventing or halting DPN and its devastating sequelae.
Topics: Diabetic Neuropathies; Humans; Mass Screening; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Time-to-Treatment
PubMed: 31624024
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30081-6 -
Annals of Neurology Jun 2017Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect experienced by patients receiving treatment for cancer. Approximately 30 to 40%... (Review)
Review
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect experienced by patients receiving treatment for cancer. Approximately 30 to 40% of patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy will develop CIPN, and there is considerable variability in its severity between patients. It is often sensory-predominant with pain and can lead to long-term morbidity in survivors. The prevalence and burden of CIPN late effects will likely increase as cancer survival rates continue to improve. In this review, we discuss the approach to peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer and address the clinical phenotypes and pathomechanisms of specific neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Ann Neurol 2017;81:772-781.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Humans; Neoplasms; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 28486769
DOI: 10.1002/ana.24951 -
Australian Family Physician Mar 2015Paraesthesia reflects an abnormality affecting the sensory pathways anywhere between the peripheral sensory nervous system and the sensory cortex. As with all neurology,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Paraesthesia reflects an abnormality affecting the sensory pathways anywhere between the peripheral sensory nervous system and the sensory cortex. As with all neurology, the fundamental diagnostic tool is a concise history, devoid of potentially ambiguous jargon, which properly reflects the true nature of what the patient is experiencing, provocateurs, precipitating and relieving factors, concomitant illnesses, such as diabetes, and any treatments that could evoke neuropathies.
OBJECTIVE
Some localised neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or ulnar neuropathy, produce classical features, such as weakness of the 'LOAF' (lateral two lumbricals, opponens pollicis, abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis) median innervated muscles, thereby obviating need for further neurophysiology. Nerve conduction studies may be necessary to diagnose peripheral neuropathy, but they may also be normal with small fibre neuropathy. Even with a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, definition of the underlying cause may remain elusive in a significant proportion of cases, despite involvement of consultants.
DISCUSSION
Treatment is based on the relevant diagnosis and mechanism to address the cause. This includes better glycaemic control for diabetes, night splint for CTS or elbow padding for ulnar neuropathy, modifying lifestyle with reduced alcohol consumption or replacing dietary deficiencies or changing medications where appropriate and practical. Should such intervention fail to relieve symptoms, consideration of intervention to relieve symptoms of neuropathic pain may be required.
Topics: Disease Management; Electrodiagnosis; Humans; Paresthesia; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 25770571
DOI: No ID Found -
Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.) Feb 2020This article provides a summary of the autonomic neuropathies, including neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus, neuropathies due to amyloid deposition,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article provides a summary of the autonomic neuropathies, including neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus, neuropathies due to amyloid deposition, immune-mediated autonomic neuropathies (including those associated with a paraneoplastic syndrome), inherited autonomic neuropathies, and toxic autonomic neuropathies. The presenting features, diagnostic investigations, and natural history of these neuropathies are discussed.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent findings in autonomic peripheral neuropathy include data on the epidemiology and atypical presentations of diabetic autonomic neuropathy, treatment-induced neuropathy of diabetes mellitus, the presentation of immune-mediated neuropathies, and advances in hereditary neuropathy associated with amyloidosis and other hereditary neuropathies.
SUMMARY
Knowledge and recognition of the clinical features of the autonomic neuropathies, combined with appropriate laboratory and electrophysiologic testing, will facilitate accurate diagnosis and management.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Diabetic Neuropathies; Disease Progression; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 31996622
DOI: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000825 -
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Jul 2015Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most prevalent neurologic conditions encountered by physicians of all specialties. Physicians are faced with 3 distinct challenges in... (Review)
Review
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most prevalent neurologic conditions encountered by physicians of all specialties. Physicians are faced with 3 distinct challenges in caring for patients with peripheral neuropathy: (1) how to efficiently and effectively screen (in less than 2 minutes) an asymptomatic patient for peripheral neuropathy when they have a disorder in which peripheral neuropathy is highly prevalent (eg, diabetes mellitus), (2) how to clinically stratify patients presenting with symptoms of neuropathy to determine who would benefit from specialty consultation and what testing is appropriate for those who do not need consultation, and (3) how to treat the symptoms of painful peripheral neuropathy. In this concise review, we address these 3 common clinical scenarios. Easily defined clinical patterns of involvement are used to identify patients in need of neurologic consultation, the yield of laboratory and other diagnostic testing is reviewed for the evaluation of length-dependent, sensorimotor peripheral neuropathies (the most common form of neuropathy), and an algorithmic approach with dosing recommendations is provided for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Management; Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 26141332
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.05.004 -
Seminars in Neurology Oct 2019Peripheral neuropathies are a group of disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system, for which hundreds of etiologies have been identified. This article presents... (Review)
Review
Peripheral neuropathies are a group of disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system, for which hundreds of etiologies have been identified. This article presents a stepwise approach to the evaluation and workup of peripheral neuropathy, which starts with a detailed history of symptoms, family and occupational history, and a neurological as well as general physical exam. Pattern recognition of various neuropathies can help to build a differential diagnosis based on the presentation. Such patterns include acute versus chronic, primary demyelinating versus axonal, hereditary versus acquired, asymmetric versus symmetric, presence of facial palsies, sensory or motor predominant, and presence of prominent autonomic symptoms. Early categorization of the type of neuropathy can help focus the workup for peripheral neuropathy. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG) is the primary diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with large-fiber polyneuropathy. One of the most important roles of NCS/EMG is to help categorize polyneuropathy as primary axonal versus primary demyelinating. The finding of a primary demyelinating polyneuropathy narrows the differential diagnosis of polyneuropathy dramatically and increases the chances of finding a treatable etiology. Laboratory workup includes serum studies and potentially cerebrospinal fluid, genetic studies, immunological markers, and fat pad biopsy for select patients. Skin biopsy may be used to assess intraepidermal nerve fiber density if small-fiber neuropathy is suspected, and nerve biopsy may be useful in select cases. In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging and neuromuscular ultrasound have also shown promise in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. Identification of the etiology of neuropathy is crucial and often time-sensitive, as an increasing number of causes are now reversible or treatable.
Topics: Biopsy; Electromyography; Humans; Neural Conduction; Neurologic Examination; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Skin
PubMed: 31639835
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1694747 -
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology Jul 2021Diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and is associated with increased mortality, lower-limb amputations and... (Review)
Review
Diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and is associated with increased mortality, lower-limb amputations and distressing painful neuropathic symptoms (painful DSPN). Our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease has largely been derived from animal models, which have identified key potential mechanisms. However, effective therapies in preclinical models have not translated into clinical trials and we have no universally accepted disease-modifying treatments. Moreover, the condition is generally diagnosed late when irreversible nerve damage has already taken place. Innovative point-of-care devices have great potential to enable the early diagnosis of DSPN when the condition might be more amenable to treatment. The management of painful DSPN remains less than optimal; however, studies suggest that a mechanism-based approach might offer an enhanced benefit in certain pain phenotypes. The management of patients with DSPN involves the control of individualized cardiometabolic targets, a multidisciplinary approach aimed at the prevention and management of foot complications, and the timely diagnosis and management of neuropathic pain. Here, we discuss the latest advances in the mechanisms of DSPN and painful DSPN, originating both from the periphery and the central nervous system, as well as the emerging diagnostics and treatments.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Animals; Diabetic Neuropathies; Humans; Neuralgia; Neuromuscular Diseases; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 34050323
DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00496-z