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Foot drop in head and neck cancer
Ryan Seth Borress1, Paul Maccabee, Gady Har-El
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Common peroneal nerve (CPN) neuropathy, causing foot drop, can occur in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, often linked to significant weight loss. Recovery was observed with weight gain, highlighting the nerve's vulnerability during HNC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Common peroneal nerve (CPN) neuropathy presents as foot drop, often associated with weight loss and leg crossing.
- While CPN neuropathy is documented in cancer patients, its specific occurrence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients has not been detailed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a series of head and neck cancer patients who developed CPN neuropathy during their disease course.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of HNC patients with CPN neuropathy between 1995 and 2004.
- Electrodiagnostic studies and imaging were utilized to assess nerve function and rule out metastatic disease.
Main Results:
- Four HNC patients with CPN neuropathy were identified, all experiencing significant weight loss.
- Two patients showed electrodiagnostic evidence of conduction block at the fibular head and denervation.
- All four patients improved following weight gain, with no evidence of metastatic disease in the lumbosacral region.
Conclusions:
- CPN neuropathy can manifest in HNC patients, potentially due to weight loss-induced loss of protective subcutaneous tissue around the fibular head.
- Prevention, timely neurologic consultation, and patient counseling are recommended for HNC patients at risk.
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