Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
06:40
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Cervicobrachial involvement in diabetic radiculoplexopathy
J S Katz1, D S Saperstein, G Wolfe
1Department of Neurology, Palo Alto VA Medical Center, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA. jskatz@stanford.edu
Muscle & Nerve
|May 22, 2001
Summary
Diabetic radiculoplexopathy can affect the arms, not just the legs. This condition, involving diabetic nerve damage, often shows spontaneous recovery in upper limb symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetic Neuropathy Research
Background:
- Diabetic radiculoplexopathy is typically associated with lower extremity symptoms.
- Upper extremity involvement in this condition is infrequently reported and poorly understood.
Observation:
- This study investigated the clinical presentation of upper extremity involvement in diabetic radiculoplexopathy.
- Nine out of 60 patients with diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexopathy exhibited upper limb symptoms.
- Upper limb involvement manifested as weakness, primarily in the hands and forearms, and could be unilateral or bilateral.
Findings:
- Upper extremity symptoms developed concurrently with, before, or after lower limb symptoms, often appearing as leg symptoms improved.
- Pain was present but not a dominant feature.
- Neurological deficits in the arms demonstrated spontaneous improvement within 2-9 months.
Implications:
- Diabetic radiculoplexopathy can affect the cervical region, presenting with upper limb symptoms similar to lower limb involvement.
- Recognizing upper extremity involvement is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of diabetic radiculoplexopathy.
- The findings suggest a potentially broader clinical spectrum for diabetic radiculoplexopathy than previously recognized.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:22Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...