Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
10:32
Optimized Protocols for Mycobacterium leprae Strain Management: Frozen Stock Preservation and Maintenance in Athymic Nude Mice
Published on: March 23, 2014
18.2K
The clinical & neurophysiological study of leprosy
Murat Cabalar1, Vildan Yayla2, Samiye Ulutas3
1Dr. Murat Cabalar, Department of Neurology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research & Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|June 21, 2014
Summary
Leprosy patients exhibit significant peripheral and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, with sympathetic nervous system involvement often more pronounced than parasympathetic. Neurophysiological studies reveal widespread nerve damage, particularly in lower extremities.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting peripheral nerves.
- Neurological complications, including nerve damage and disability, are common in leprosy patients.
- Autonomic nervous system involvement in leprosy is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurological and neurophysiological characteristics of leprosy.
- To assess peripheral and autonomic nervous system function in leprosy patients.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-seven hospitalized leprosy patients underwent neurological and neurophysiological examinations.
- Standard sensory and motor nerve conduction studies were performed on upper and lower extremities.
- Sympathetic skin response (SSR) and heart rate (R-R) interval variation (RRIV) were recorded to evaluate autonomic dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with severe deformity and disability.
- Neurophysiological findings indicated more severe sensory and motor impairment in lower extremities compared to upper extremities.
- Abnormal SSRs were observed in 81.8% of patients, and abnormal RRIVs in 53.2% (71.4% with hyperventilation).
- Significant correlations were found between SSR, sensory, and motor conduction parameters.
Conclusions:
- Leprosy is associated with both peripheral and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
- Sympathetic nervous system dysfunction appears to be more prevalent than parasympathetic dysfunction in leprosy.
