[Neurologic complications of diabetes mellitus]

Neurological complications in the light of their clinical and topographical pattern are discussed with regard to the literature and 40 personal cases. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common (average frequency 26%). The main clinical, anatomical, histological and pathogenetic features of polyneuritis in diabetes are illustrated. Diabetic amyotrophy is a true clinical entity, though its site (neural or muscular) and pathogenesis are still the subject of discussion. Cranial nerve damage (oculomotor paralysis in particular) has the typical clinical, anatomical and histological picture of peripheral forms. Myelopathy leads to three distinct anatomical and clinical patterns: pseudo-tabes caused by degeneration of the roots and posterior cords; chronic anterior poliomyelitis due to degeneration of the cells of the anterior cornua; myelosis attributable to combined degeneration of the posterior and anterolateral cords. The main features of encephalopathy and the relation between epilepsy and diabetes are also examined.