Peripheral Nerve Disorders

This chapter is an overview of common peripheral nerve disorders. It begins with an explanation of peripheral nerve anatomy and the nomenclature of abnormal sensation associated with dysfunction of the peripheral nerve. It continues with a description of common compressive mononeuropathies. It divides polyneuropathies into those with and those without comorbid mental status changes. There is a review of demyelinating and axonal pathologies as well as genetic and acquired conditions. There are tables categorizing important causes of neuropathies as well as the features that distinguish peripheral nervous system diseases from those that affect the central nervous system. There is an explanation of adult and pediatric-onset motor neuron disorders. The chapter concludes with a review of common diseases that affect the spinal column and spinal nerve roots.