Skip to main content

Sensory Neuropathies

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology

Abstract:

Sensory neuropathies comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases which are caused by damage of the sensory nerves and lead to sensory disturbances mainly affecting the feet and legs, and less frequently the hands and arms. This article defines sensory neuropathies and introduces clinical features and the underlying etiology as well as risk factors and possible complications. Physical as well as laboratory findings are presented and the diagnostic role of nerve conduction studies, nerve biopsy and skin biopsy studies are shortly discussed. Important clinical entities like diabetic or hereditary neuropathies amongst others are described in more detail. Finally, an overview addressing patient management and particularly, management of foot complications is given.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 249.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

HSAN:

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies

HSN:

Hereditary sensory neuropathies

NCS:

Nerve conduction studies

QST:

Quantitative somatosensory testing

References

  • Auer-Grumbach M, Mauko B, Auer-Grumbach P, Pieber TR. 2006. Molecular genetics in sensory neuropathies. Neuromolecular Med 8: 147–158.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cherry CL, Wesselingh SL, Lal L, McArthur JC. 2005. Evaluation of a clinical screening tool for HIV-associated sensory neuropathies. Neurology 65: 1778–1781.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cornblath LG, Johansson O, McArthur JC, Mellgren SI, Nolano M, et al. 2005. European federation of neurological societies. EFNS guidelines on the use of skin biopsies in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Eur J Neurol 10: 747–758.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawkins JL, Hulme DJ, Brahmbhatt SB, Auer-Grumbach M, Nicholson GA. 2001. Mutations in SPTLC1, encoding serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit-1, cause hereditary sensory neuropathy type I. Nat Genet 27: 309–312.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dworkin RH, Backonja M, Rowbotham MC 2003. Advances in neuropathic pain. Arch Neurol 60: 1524–1534.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dyck PJ. 1993. Neuronal atrophy and degeneration predominantly affecting peripheral sensory and autonomic neurons. Peripheral Neuropathy. 3rd ed. Dyck PJ, Thomas PK, Griffin JW, Low PA, Poduslo JF, editors. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; pp. 1065–1093.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fink E, Oaklander AL. 2006. Small-fiber neuropathy: Answering the burning questions. Sci Aging Knowl Environ 6: pe7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gidal BE. 2006. New and emerging treatment options for neuropathic pain. Am J Manag Care 12: 269–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilron I, Flatters SJ. 2006. Gabapentin and pregabalin for the treatment of neuropathic pain: A review of laboratory and clinical evidence. Pain Res Manag Summer 11 (Suppl. A): 16A–29A.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lafreniere RG, Mac Donald ML, Dube MP, Mac Farlane J, O'Driscoll M, et al. 2004. Identification of a novel gene (HSN2) causing hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II through the study of Canadian genetic isolates. Am J Hum Genet 74: 1064–1073.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mueller MJ, Hastings M, Commean PK, Smith KE, Pilgram TK, et al. 2003. Forefoot structural predictors of plantar pressures during walking in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. J Biomech 36: 1009–1017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pascuzzi RM. 2003. Peripheral neuropathies in clinical practice. Med Clin North Am 87: 697–724.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramsey SD, Nemton K, Blough D, et al. 1999. Incidence, outcomes, and cost of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Diabetes care 22: 382–387.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas PK, Tomlinson DR. 1999. Diabetic and hypoglycemic neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy. Dyck PJ, Thomas PK, editors. 2nd ed, Elsevier, pp. 1219–1250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhoeven K, De Jonghe P, Coen K, Verpoorten N, Auer-Grumbach M, et al. 2003. Mutations in the small GTP-ase late endosomal protein RAB7 cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B neuropathy. Am J Hum Genet 72: 722–727.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verhoeven K, Timmerman V, Mauko B, Pieber TR, De Jonghe P, et al. 2006. Recent advances in hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies. Curr Opin Neurol 124: 271–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wellmer A, Misra VP, Sharief MK, Kopelman PG, Anand P. 2001. A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of recombinant human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (rhBDNF) in diabetic polyneuropathy. J Peripher Nerv Syst 6: 204–210.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this entry

Cite this entry

Auer-Grumbach, M., Auer-Grumbach, P., Pieber, T. (2007). Sensory Neuropathies. In: Lajtha, A., Johnson, D.A. (eds) Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30374-1_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics