Motor;Sensory and Autonomic
Motor Nerves: They are responsible for voluntary movement. Their cell bodies lie within the spinal cord and their processes transmit signals outward to specialized motor receptors on the skeletal muscles. When you reach to open a door or run to catch a train,for instance,your motor nerves are at work.
Sensory Nerves: These allow us to feel pain, vibrations or touch, recognize shapes by feel, and sense where our limbs are positioned in space. Their cell bodies are grouped in specialized structures called sensory "ganglia" next to the spinal cord. And they transmit signals from the sensory receptors in the skin and other organs inward to the Central Nervous System.
Autonomic Nerves: This one controls involuntary functions like breathing,heartbeat,blood pressure,digestion and sexual function. They work automatically when we are awake or asleep and are not under our control. Their cell bodies, clustered in autonomic ganglia, are spread through out the body.
Although most neuropathies affect all three types of nerve fibers to varying degrees, some diseases involve only one or two, and are thus said to be purely or predominantly "motor,sensory,or autonomic neuropathies".
Diagnosing the Condition
The neurologist first takes a careful history of the symptoms,and performs a neurological examination, and orders a number of laboratory tests to help identify the cause of the neuropathy.
Electromygraphy (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are used to measure the electrical properties of the nerves. These tests can identify the abnormal nerves and their distribution,and determine whether the "myelin sheaths" or the "axons" are primarily affected.
Nerve and muscle biopsy can provide important information about the type and cause of the neuropathy. You can see the nerve and examine it for evidence of vasculitis, infection, inflamation or abnormal deposits.
A spinal tap is often useful for identifying infection or inflammation. Blood and urine tests examine for the presence of underlying diseases or genetic defects which cause neuropathy. In general,it is important to obtain as much information as possible about the neuropathy to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
Some of My Tests and The Results
This is a list of things that I was tested for in the blood workup:
GLUCOSE---107 CALCIUM---9.5 CPK-------434AH
BUN-------20 PHOSPHOROUS-2.8 CHOLESTEROL-255AH
SODIUM----146 TOT.BILIRUBIN-0.2 TRIGLYCERIDE-138
POTASSIUM-4.2 ALK PHOS--94 T4--------8.7
CHLORIDE--103 ALT(SGPT)-49 HDL CHOLESTEROL-42
URIC ACID-5.2 TOTAL PROTEIN-7.0 LDL CHOLESTEROL-185AH
CREATININE-0.8 ALBUMIN---4.0 CHOL/HDL RATIO-6.07(a)
URIC ACID-5.2
Hi There!
My name is "SugarBear"
LYME DISEASE AB SCREEN
Absence of antibody to B.Burgdorferi does not rule out Lyme Disease.
Peak antibody response is sometimes not attained until two months or more after the onset of illness and some patients may never generate detectable antibody levels. (total),EIA---(0.80)---Elisa Index---( OR=0.80
***Explanation of Elisa Index***
( OR=0.80---Seronegative. Absence of prior exposure to B. Burgdorferi or diminished antibody response due to therapy.
(0.81-0.99---Indeterminate result suggest repeat testing if clinically warranted.
(0.99---Seropositive. Indicates prior exposure to B.Burgdorferi.
Examination Performed: CT BRAIN
History: LESION?
The basal cisterns and ventricle appear normal. No space occupying lesions or any areas of abnormal enhancement can be noted. No evidence for any acute events or infarcts noted.
Impression: Unremarkable CT SCAN of the Brain
Examination Performed: CERVICAL SPINE
History: POSSIBLE TUMOR - POSSIBLE MS
Roentgen exam of the spine revealed no evidence of recent fracture. The anterior middle and posterior columns were unremarkable. There was noted an area of intervertebral disc spacing of the levels of C-5 and C-6,and C-7 with sclerotic reaction present,compatible with degenerative disc disease. The remaining intervertebraal disc spacings,intervertebral foramina pedicles,prevertebral space and odontoid process appeared within normal limits. There was noted moderate skeletal atrophy.
Summary: ROENTGEN EXAMINATION of THE CERVICAL SPINE REVEALED:
1. Degenerative Disc Disease at the Level of C-5 and C-6 and C-7
2. Skeletal Atrophy
Examination Performed: MRI Cervical Spine
History: Tumor? MS?
Impression: Cental to left paracentral disc space hreniation identified at the 3-4 level with associated posterior osteophytic spurring. No signs of Multiple Sclerosis.
MRI Thoracic/Lumbar Survey
History: Tumor? MS?
Impression: Some areas of disc bulging with some mild spinal stenosis. No evidence for any underlying signs of Multiple Sclerosis and no evidence for any intramedullary lesions within the cord.
Examination Performed: MRI Brain without and with Magnavist
History: Tumor? MS?
Impression: Unremarkable MRI scan of the Brain with no signs of underlying Multiple Sclerosis.
"How is Peripheral Neuorpathy Treated?"
("Peek-A-Boo")
The goals of treatment are twofold:
1.Eliminate the cause of the disease
2.Relieve its symptoms
Treatment of the underlying condition depends on the cause. For example,vitamin deficiency can be corrected by the oral supplements or injection of the deficient vittamin. Infections can be treated with antibiotics or anti-viral agents. Autoimmune diseases are often treated by plasmaphoresis or immuno-suppression,using corticosteroid,intravenoue gammaglobulins,or chemotherapy. In paraneoplastic neuropathies,treatment is directed at eliminating the underlying tumor. Toxic or drug-induced neuropathies are treated by removing the offending agent. In diabetes close control of the hyperglycemia helps slow the development of neuropathy.
The major symptoms of neuropathy are pain and weakness. Pain can be alleviated with medications. Physical therapy and prosthetic devices,if necessary,can help maintain strength and improve walking.
Depending on the cause,therapy can slow,halt,or reverse the neuropathy. Once the damage is stopped the nerves can regenerate. The extent of recovery depends on how much damage was done. The less the damage the better the recovery. Therefore it is very important to diagnose the disease as early as possible and begin therapy.
Links to other sites on the Web
Pat's Web Page
Jen's Fibromyalgia Homepage
The Old Paramedics EMS Pages
HEALTH and FITNESS
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