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Distal and Generalized Sensory Symptoms

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Neurology

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Abstract

Pain, numbness, and paresthesias are common symptoms of sensory system dysfunction. Polyneuropathy generally produces distally predominant symptoms, though proximally predominant and multifocal forms also exist. Important causes of polyneuropathy include diabetes mellitus, vitamin B12 deficiency, monoclonal gammopathy, ethanol abuse, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, HIV infection, and thyroid dysfunction. Despite extensive evaluation, no source is identified in many patients and a diagnosis of idiopathic polyneuropathy is the most appropriate one. There are multiple medications available to treat neuropathic symptoms including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids, and topical agents. Mimics of polyneuropathy include degenerative spine disease, plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and restless legs syndrome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Andrew Tarulli

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  1. Andrew Tarulli
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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Tarulli, A. (2016). Distal and Generalized Sensory Symptoms. In: Neurology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29632-6_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29632-6_15

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-29630-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-29632-6

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