Peripheral Neuropathy.
what other conditions cause P.N?
Autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, bacteria, alcoholic neuropathy, inflammation cancer and toxins, including some types of chemo, other chemicals such as lead,
diagnostics?
CBC, electromyography, thyroid test, levels of B12, metabolic panel, urine culture, nerve biopsy.
risk factors?
DM, alcohol abuse, Vitamin Deficiencies mainly Vitamin B, immune system suppression, autoimmune disease, kidney, liver or thyroid disorders and exposure to toxins including some meds.
Meds?
Pain meds, anticonvulsants, lidocaine patch.
common description of the pain associated with distal paresthesias polyneuropathy?
aching, burning, shooting, and feelings of cold feet. Not being able to feel pain, temp, light touch, 2 point discrimination and vibration.
What is Guillain- Barre syndrome?
acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy disorder of the PNS. Characterized by an acute onset of motor paralysis. Autoimmune, body builds antibodies to attack the neurons and cause demyelination.
What is the cause of GBS?
cause is unknown however, precipitating events include a respiratory or GI viral or bacterial infection 1-3 weeks before the manifestation of GBS. Surgery, viral immunizations, and other viral illnesses.
what is an example of a inherited neuropathy?
charcot, marie tooth disease. Its characterized by a slow progressive, degeneration of the muscles of the foot, lower leg, hand and forearm. Symptoms normally present between adolescence and young adulthood.
Systemic diseases are often the cause of peripheral neuropathy...
conditions that decrease O2 supply cause thickening of the walls of blood vessels that supply nerves, resulting in a reduced blood flow.
what is the stocking and gloves pattern?
feelings of wearing these items are common in GBS. With pain in the hands, feet and legs.
LOOK AT PAGE 1334 FOR MEDS.
for anticonvulsants, teach client to avoid grapefruit juice, antiacids. For SNRI's block the depletion of serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS which helps with pain.
Idiopathic neuropathies are...
from an unknown cause.
prevention measures?
healthy diet of veggies, fruits and whole grains. Vitamin B12, avoiding repetitive motions, smoking and cramped positions, daily foot care.
What does the PNS do?
is responsible for receiving and transmitting information from and about the external environment. It's made up of nerves, ganglia and sensory receptors located on peripheral areas to the brain and spinal cord. Nerves are classified as spinal or cranial nerves.
what are Polyneropathies?
is the most common type of neuropathy associated with diabetes, exposure to toxins and poor nutrition (lack of vitamin B) manifestations first appear in the toes and feet and progress upward. Manifestations can also depend on the nerve fibers involved. Fingers and hands can be involved but mainly seen in the late stages of DM
what are mononeuropathies?
isolates peripheral neuropathies that affect a single nerve. Injury or trauma are the most common reason. Repetitive motions, like those resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome also cause mononeuropathies.
why are anticonvulsants used in therapy?
it is thought that anticonvulsans block pain receptors in the CNS.
what is a lidocaine patch?
local anesthetic that is absorbed through the skin.
Manifestations of Motor nerve damage?
muscle weakness, cramps, fasciculations (a brief, spontaneous contraction affecting a small number of muscle fibers), an muscle loss.
carpal tunnel syndrome develops from?
narrowing of the tunnel and compression of the median nerve as a result of inflammation and swelling.
manifestations of sensory nerve damage?
numbness, pain, and burning or shooting pain, impaired touch, temperature and pain sensation.
_____Helps the client maintain mobility ad avoid further changes in functional status.
physical or occupational therapy
Key manifestation of GBS?
progressive ascending flaccid paralysis followed by paresthesias (numbness or tingling). Feelings of lack of coordination.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
results when trauma or a disease process interferes with innervation of peripheral nerves. The effectiveness of blood vessels decreases, superficial blood vessels constrict and divert blood to larger blood vessels, leaving the peripheral nerve endings vessels with decreased blood supply. Neuropathy develops.
Nursing diagnoses?
risk for injury, ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion, pain and anxiety.
what are the main components of peripheral nerves?
the axon an the myelin.It can either be classified as axonal degeneration or segmental demyelination.
The primary process of GBS is?
the destruction of the myelin sheaths coverin the axons of peripheral nerves. The loss of the myelin results in poor conduction of nerve impulses causing sudden muscle weakness an loss of reflex response.
what are acquired neuropathies?
those caused by disease or illness, nutritional deficits, infection, trauma, and toxins.
what is the primary goal of treatment?
to correct the underlying cause. So that symptoms are controlled and further nerve damage is prevented.