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Chapter 16 - Peripheral Neuropathies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2024

By
Cynthia A. Wong
Edited by
David R. Gambling ,
M. Joanne Douglas  and
Grace Lim
David R. Gambling
Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego
M. Joanne Douglas
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Grace Lim
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh
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Summary

Peripheral neuropathy takes many forms and occurs as a primary condition or as a component of diseases with multisystem manifestations. There are manifold etiologies, including genetic, inflammatory, traumatic/compressive, metabolic, vasculitic, neoplastic, dietary, and toxic/drug-induced. They are classified as mononeuropathy, multifocal neuropathy (mononeuropathy multiplex), or polyneuropathy. Peripheral neuropathies affect the cell body and the axon (neuropathy, axonopathy) or the myelin sheath (demyelinating neuropathy/neurapraxia). Neuropathies affect sensory, motor, autonomic nerves, or a combination. Pregnancy exacerbates some neuropathies, while pregnancy or parturition may be a direct or indirect cause of a variety of mononeuropathies and plexopathies. A peripheral neuropathy does not directly impact anesthetic care but associated systemic disease manifestations can complicate peripartum anesthetic care. Some peripheral neuropathies alter drug sensitivity or impair respiration, presenting unique challenges to the anesthesiologist.

Keywords

Peripheral neuropathyCharcot-Marie-Tooth diseaseHereditary neuropathyAutonomic neuropathyDysautonomiaCompressive neuropathyObstetric palsyDiabetic neuropathy
Type
Chapter
Information
Obstetric Anesthesia and Uncommon Disorders , pp. 259 - 272
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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