Abstract
In the last years very precise diagnostic investigations have been introduced to allow accurate diagnostic of pathologies affecting the major part of peripheral nerves; nevertheless, some avoidable misdiagnosis still occurs. For instance, the neurophysiological pattern observed in chronic compression of nerve roots may mimic an axonal polyneuropathy, especially when compression occurs in post-ganglionic tract of dorsal root (in this case sensory nerve conduction studies show decreased or absent response). A clinical-neurophysiological dissociation may be noted in cases with pre- ganglionic impairment of dorsal root (clinical sensory deficit in presence of normal amplitude of sensory response). During the past two years we observed 3 cases with diagnosis of polyneuropathy that, after further studies, appeared affected by severe chronic compression of lumbo-sacral nerve roots. Our data suggest that in those cases with suspected polyneuropathy, in which the neurophysiological picture is characterized by the exclusive axonal (and myelinic) involvement of motor and/or sensory peripheral nerve of lower limbs, neuroimaging of radicular structures, must be performed. These further investigations may avoid severe and irreversible damage to neural tissues.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 224-226 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |
Keywords
- Diagnosis
- Disc disease
- Lumboscacral roots
- Polyneuropathy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neuroscience(all)