ABSTRACT
Neuropathies are associated with several systemic diseases. This article provides
a general overview of the clinical presentation and management of the various neuropathies
associated with common medical illnesses. The term “neuropathy” is used relatively
broadly to encompass pathology from the level of the cell body to the terminal axon.
Peripheral nerve disorders associated with diabetes, thyroid disease, connective tissue
disease, cancer, and infection are discussed. The relationship between the various
neuropathies and systemic illness is important to recognize because neuropathy may
be the initial presentation of one of these underlying medical conditions. Alternatively,
the presence of a known associated medical condition in a patient presenting with
neuropathy may affect management decisions and limit unnecessary investigations.
KEYWORDS
Peripheral neuropathy - polyneuropathy - sensory ganglionopathy - vasculitis
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Hannah R BriembergM.D. F.R.C.P.C.
Neuromuscular Disorders Unit
2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9
Email: hannah.briemberg@vch.ca
