Peripheral neuropathy: clinical and electrophysiological considerations
Tae Chung1, Kalpana Prasad, Thomas E Lloyd
1Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|November 12, 2013
Summary
This primer explains peripheral neuropathy for radiologists, highlighting magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) for diagnosing nerve lesions. Advanced MRN may improve future patient evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
- Radiologists play a key role in evaluating nerve pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide radiologists with a foundational understanding of peripheral neuropathy.
- To review the clinical evaluation of peripheral neuropathy.
- To discuss the role and future potential of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in diagnosing peripheral nerve lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of peripheral neuropathy.
- Discussion of the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN).
- Integration of MRN with clinical history, physical examination, electrophysiology, and laboratory data.
Main Results:
- Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is valuable for diagnosing focal peripheral nerve lesions.
- Combining MRN with other clinical data enhances diagnostic accuracy.
- High-field MRN shows promise for future advancements in evaluating peripheral neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral neuropathy requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
- Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is an important tool for radiologists in evaluating peripheral nerve disorders.
- Future advancements in high-field MRN are expected to further enhance diagnostic capabilities for peripheral neuropathy.
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