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Pathology

Damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system

Aetiology

Acquired: Idiopathic, diabetes, alcohol, vitamin deficiencies (B12, folic acid), toxic, 
 inflammatory, paraneoplastic
Hereditary: Commonest is Charcot Marie Tooth disease

Signs

Weakness, parathesia and loss of proprioception

Symptoms

Gait difficulties, sensory disturbance and weakness

Investigations

Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFT’s, fasting glucose, B12, folic acid, serum electrophoresis.
profile, ENA, ds-DNA, serum ACE levels, HIV, syphilis, Lyme disease,   
paraneoplastic antibodies

Treatment

Medical: Neuropathic Analgesia: amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, 
Topical Capsaicin Cream 
TENS machine,

Prognosis

Life expectancy is only reduced in severe cases
Charcot joints and neuropathic ulceration

Key Facts

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Key Images

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Key References

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