A Survey of Diseases of Peripheral Nerve, and Nerve Root

Abstract

In chapter 2, we have already considered, the differential features of disease of muscle compared to disease of peripheral nerve compared to disease of the nerve root compared to central nervous system disease. Diseases of peripheral nerve and nerve root both represent, lower motor neuron disorders. In contrast to disorders of muscle, both involve, motor and sensory features. As we will discuss in greater degree, peripheral nerve disorders, may involve specific nerves in a local manner (mononeuropathies) or peripheral nerve in a more generalized manner (polyneuropathies). Mononeuropathies must be distinguished from radiculopathies. This distinction can be made based on the pattern of motor deficit, the pattern of deep tendon stretch reflex deficit, the pattern of sensory deficit and the distribution of pain.