ABSTRACT
This chapter describes peripheral neuropathies in different ways, based on the pattern of neurological signs and symptoms as sensory, motor, autonomic, or mixed; the distribution of affected nerves, as symmetrical versus asymmetrical, and distal or proximal; and the fiber type involved, as large versus small fiber. Deep tendon reflexes are diminished or lost in peripheral neuropathies as a rule. Peripheral neuropathic pain may manifest as spontaneous pain, often in a numb region, or pain and hypersensitivity elicited by a stimulus. There are many sensory symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders, such as their spread beyond the territory of the injured nerve, which could not be explained solely in terms of alterations in peripheral functions. Isolated peripheral nerve lesions tend to occur at the common sites for pressure palsies, and nerves in diabetic subjects are more susceptible to compression injury.
