Plexopathy: Difference between revisions
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'''Plexopathy''' is a disorder affecting a [[wikt:network|network]] of [[nerves]], [[blood vessels]], or [[lymph vessels]].<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44504 Plexopathy] entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms</ref> The region of nerves it affects are at the brachial or lumbosacral plexus. Symptoms include pain, loss of motor control, and sensory deficits. <ref name="HN"/> |
'''Plexopathy''' is a disorder affecting a [[wikt:network|network]] of [[nerves]], [[blood vessels]], or [[lymph vessels]].<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44504 Plexopathy] entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms</ref> The region of nerves it affects are at the brachial or lumbosacral plexus. Symptoms include pain, loss of motor control, and sensory deficits. <ref name="HN"/> |
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There are two types of plexopathy; [[Brachial plexopathy]] and Lumbosacral Plexopathy. They are usually caused from some sort of localized [[Physical trauma|trauma]] such as a [[dislocated shoulder]]. The disorder can also be caused secondary to a [[compression]]{{Clarify|date=January 2010}}, co-morbid [[vascular disease]], [[infection]], or may be [[idiopathic]] with an unknown cause. <ref name="HN">{{cite book|title=Harwood-Nuss' Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine|editor=Allan B. Wolfson|date=2005|edition=4th|page=614-615|isbn=0-7817-5125-X}}</ref> |
There are two main types of plexopathy; [[Brachial plexopathy]] and Lumbosacral Plexopathy. They are usually caused from some sort of localized [[Physical trauma|trauma]] such as a [[dislocated shoulder]]. The disorder can also be caused secondary to a [[compression]]{{Clarify|date=January 2010}}, co-morbid [[vascular disease]], [[infection]], or may be [[idiopathic]] with an unknown cause. <ref name="HN">{{cite book|title=Harwood-Nuss' Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine|editor=Allan B. Wolfson|date=2005|edition=4th|page=614-615|isbn=0-7817-5125-X}}</ref> |
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==Evaluation and management== |
==Evaluation and management== |
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Revision as of 03:11, 28 February 2010
Plexopathy is a disorder affecting a network of nerves, blood vessels, or lymph vessels.[1] The region of nerves it affects are at the brachial or lumbosacral plexus. Symptoms include pain, loss of motor control, and sensory deficits. [2]
There are two main types of plexopathy; Brachial plexopathy and Lumbosacral Plexopathy. They are usually caused from some sort of localized trauma such as a dislocated shoulder. The disorder can also be caused secondary to a compression[clarification needed], co-morbid vascular disease, infection, or may be idiopathic with an unknown cause. [2]
Evaluation and management
The first steps in the evaluation and later management of plexopathy would consist of gathering a medical history and conducting a physical examination by a healthcare clinician. Motor function defect patterns detected within either the upper or lower extremities help with diagnosis of the disorder. [2]
X-rays of the cervical spine, chest, and shoulder are usually ordered if symptoms point to acute lumbosacral plexopathy. If the physical history reveals a history of diabetes, collagen vascular disease, or symptoms of infection, the physician may order a series of blood tests including a complete blood count (CBC) and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). [2]
Treatment
Mild case are usually treated by the administration of analgesia and muscle relaxers. Reduced and limited physical activity with repeated follow-ups with the health care provider are required from one diagnosed with plexopathy. Individuals with prolonged, chronic symptoms will require addition testing and treatment. [2] With brachial plexopathy, surgical decompression may be warranted if the pathophysiology of the disease is causing pressure on the affected nerves. "In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery happens on its own." [3] Treatment for lumbosacral plexopathy that is not cause by trauma, but instead from diabetic plexopathy, is directed at controlling the person's blood sugar level. By preventing the deterioration of the nerve fibers from hyperglycemia, patient may recover significant muscle strength. [4]
Disposition
Plexopathy symptoms often resemble spinal cord disorders. [5] A neurosurgical consultation is usually undertaken to insure proper diagnosis, management, and treatment. Patients with chronic symptoms will likely be advised to follow-up with outpatient care from either their health care provider or specialist. [2]
See also
References
- ^ Plexopathy entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
- ^ a b c d e f Allan B. Wolfson, ed. (2005). Harwood-Nuss' Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (4th ed.). p. 614-615. ISBN 0-7817-5125-X.
- ^ "Brachial Plexopathy". Health Guide. The New York Times. 2009-12-09. Retrieved 10 December 2009.
- ^ "Lumbosacral Plexopathies: Diagnosis and rehabilitation". BNET. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved 10 December 2009.
- ^ Dyck, PJ (1993). Peripheral Neuropathy (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: WB Sanders.
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This article incorporates public domain material from Dictionary of Cancer Terms. U.S. National Cancer Institute.