Diabetic proximal neuropathy.
Diabetic proximal neuropathy is also referred to as diabetic amyotrophy,  Bruns-Garland syndrome, diabetic lumbosacral plexus neuropathy, diabetic femoral neuropathy, neuropathic cachexia, ischemic mononeuropathy multiplex and proximal lower limb motor neuropathy.
Proximal means closer to the trunk of the body or to the point of attachment to the body.
The condition is a complication of diabetes mellitus and it affects the thighs, hips, buttocks and legs. Proximal neuropathy is more common in type 2 diabetes. Diabetic proximal neuropathy mainly affects elderly people and it is far less common than other neuropathies such as autonomic and peripheral neuropathy.
The onset is either abrupt or gradual and pain is the first symptom, followed by significant weakness of the proximal muscles of the lower limbs. This results in great difficulty or inability for the individual to stand up.
Diabetic proximal neuropathy begins unilaterally and occasionally it spreads bilaterally. In a lot of cases, it is accompanied by distal symmetric polyneuropathy and muscle fasciculation.
Efficient diabetes management can prevent proximal neuropathy to occur. The length of the recovery period varies, depending on the type of nerve damage. Painkillers and capsaicin ointment may be prescribed for pain relief. Appliances, such as wheel chairs are essential, in order to provide some basic mobility to patients. |
