Peripheral nerve complications of medical disease

Semin Neurol. 2009 Apr;29(2):124-35. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1213733. Epub 2009 Apr 15.

Abstract

Neuropathies are associated with several systemic diseases. This article provides a general overview of the clinical presentation and management of the various neuropathies associated with common medical illnesses. The term "neuropathy" is used relatively broadly to encompass pathology from the level of the cell body to the terminal axon. Peripheral nerve disorders associated with diabetes, thyroid disease, connective tissue disease, cancer, and infection are discussed. The relationship between the various neuropathies and systemic illness is important to recognize because neuropathy may be the initial presentation of one of these underlying medical conditions. Alternatively, the presence of a known associated medical condition in a patient presenting with neuropathy may affect management decisions and limit unnecessary investigations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases / complications*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / complications*
  • Endocrine System Diseases / complications*
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Vasculitis / complications*