eanCast: Weekly Neurology Ep. 66: Classification of peripheral neuropathies
Moderator: Yıldız Değirmenci (Istanbul, Turkey)
Guest: Panagiotis Zis (Nicosia, Cyprus)
In this podcast episode Dr. Yıldız Değirmenci is joined by Dr. Panagiotis Zis to discuss peripheral neuropathies. Dr. Panagiotis Zis explains that peripheral neuropathy refers to diseases or disorders of the peripheral nerves, including mono neuropathies affecting single nerves and poly neuropathies affecting multiple nerves. The clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the type and degree of nerve fiber involvement, with symptoms ranging from pain and abnormal sensations to motor issues like muscle atrophy and cramps.
Dr. Zis emphasizes the importance of a thorough neurological examination in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy and highlights key findings, such as reduced sensation, neuropathic pain, sensory ataxia, and reflex abnormalities. He also stresses the significance of electrophysiological studies, including nerve conduction studies, to confirm and classify neuropathies.
The episode touches upon the classification of neuropathies based on the temporal evolution of symptoms and the involvement of large or small nerve fibers. Dr. Zis emphasizes the need to identify the cause of neuropathies, especially in chronic cases, and discusses treatment options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, including dietary modifications for conditions like gluten neuropathy.