Definition.
The peripheral nervous system is composed of:
– Spinal nerve roots,
– the posterior spinal ganglia,
– the peripheral nerves up to their terminal ramifications,
– the autonomic nervous system,
– the cranial nerves with the exception of the ophthalmic nerve.
Peripheral neuropathy corresponds to a dysfunction of one or more of these structures.
Positive diagnosis.
The clinical examination reveals neurological disorders localized in one or more neurological territories (a neurological territory corresponds to the innervation by a nerve root).
The patient may describe: burning, painful cold sensations, electric shocks, tingling, tingling, itching, numbness.
Clinical examination may reveal hypoesthesia or hyperesthesia.
Associated with these sensory signs, the patient may present a loss of localized muscle strength, muscle atrophy (reduction in muscle size). Balance disorders are also possible (ataxia).
All of these phenomena are found in an evocative neurological territory (territory of a nerve, of a nerve root, in a sock, in a glove)
The clinical examination will be supplemented if necessary by electrophysiological examinations (electromyogram, evoked potentials).
All of these phenomena are found in an evocative neurological territory (territory of a nerve, of a nerve root, in a sock, in a glove….)
A systematic questionnaire makes it possible to detect neuropathic pain: the DN4 questionnaire.
The clinical examination will be supplemented if necessary by electrophysiological examinations (electromyogram, evoked potentials).
Etiological diagnosis (cause).
The causes of peripheral neuropathies are very numerous. metabolic problems, bacterial or viral infection, compression injury, wound, genetic disease, etc.