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.
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