Neuropathy Course

Lesson 1 • Nerve Fiber Types and Functions

Differentiates A, B, and C fiber classes by diameter, myelination, and conduction velocity. Links fiber type to specific sensory and motor functions.

Lesson 2 • Peripheral Nerve Anatomy Overview

Covers macroscopic and microscopic nerve architecture, including epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium. Provides the structural baseline for understanding nerve injury.

Lesson 3 • Sensory and Autonomic Pathways

Maps somatosensory and autonomic pathways from receptor to central processing. Establishes the anatomical basis for symptom localization in neuropathy.

Lesson 1 • Mechanisms of Nerve Injury

Describes axonal degeneration, demyelination, and Wallerian degeneration at the cellular level. Grounds subsequent disease-specific content in shared injury pathways.

Lesson 2 • Nerve Regeneration and Repair

Details axonal sprouting, remyelination, and functional recovery timelines. Sets realistic expectations for treatment outcomes discussed in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Metabolic and Toxic Mechanisms

Examines how hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and neurotoxins disrupt nerve metabolism. Directly explains the pathogenesis of diabetic and toxic neuropathies.

Lesson 1 • Major Etiological Categories

Surveys diabetic, hereditary, inflammatory, infectious, toxic, and paraneoplastic causes. Provides the etiological map used throughout clinical chapters.

Lesson 2 • Temporal and Severity Grading

Applies acute, subacute, and chronic timelines alongside severity scales to classify neuropathy progression. Supports treatment urgency decisions.

Lesson 3 • Fiber-Type Classification

Separates large-fiber, small-fiber, and autonomic neuropathies by predominant symptom profile. Guides targeted diagnostic testing selection.

Lesson 1 • Autonomic Function Bedside Tests

Introduces heart rate variability, orthostatic blood pressure, and sudomotor bedside assessments. Screens for autonomic neuropathy before formal testing.

Lesson 2 • Standardized Neuropathy Rating Scales

Applies validated instruments such as the Total Neuropathy Score and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Enables reproducible severity tracking over time.

Lesson 3 • Structured Neuropathy History

Guides collection of symptom onset, quality, distribution, and aggravating factors specific to neuropathy. Establishes the clinical narrative before examination.

Lesson 4 • Motor and Reflex Examination

Covers graded muscle strength testing, atrophy assessment, and deep tendon reflex grading. Identifies motor neuropathy patterns and severity.

Lesson 1 • Laboratory Workup Strategy

Presents a tiered laboratory approach from first-line metabolic panels to specialized genetic and antibody testing. Prioritizes cost-effective, high-yield investigations.

Lesson 2 • Nerve Conduction Study Principles

Explains stimulation, recording, and measurement of conduction velocity, amplitude, and latency. Establishes technical foundations for result interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Electromyography Fundamentals

Covers needle EMG insertion activity, motor unit morphology, and recruitment analysis. Complements NCS by revealing active denervation and reinnervation.

Lesson 4 • Interpreting NCS Patterns

Differentiates axonal loss from demyelination using NCS parameters. Translates electrophysiological patterns into pathological diagnoses.

Lesson 1 • Toxic and Nutritional Neuropathies

Identifies neuropathies caused by chemotherapy, alcohol, heavy metals, and nutritional deficiencies. Emphasizes reversibility with cause removal.

Lesson 2 • Inflammatory and Autoimmune Neuropathies

Distinguishes Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy, and vasculitic neuropathy by clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria.

Lesson 3 • Hereditary Neuropathies

Reviews Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease subtypes, hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsies, and transthyretin amyloid neuropathy genetics and phenotypes.

Lesson 4 • Entrapment and Compressive Neuropathies

Covers carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, peroneal palsy, and tarsal tunnel syndrome with anatomical and clinical correlates.

Lesson 1 • First-Line Neuropathic Pain Agents

Reviews gabapentinoids, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants as first-line agents with mechanisms, dosing, and side-effect profiles. Guides initial prescribing decisions.

Lesson 2 • Emerging Pharmacological Targets

Surveys gene therapy, sodium channel subtype blockers, and anti-CGRP agents in clinical trials. Prepares students for evolving treatment landscapes.

Lesson 3 • Second-Line and Adjunct Therapies

Covers opioids, topical agents, sodium channel blockers, and combination strategies for refractory neuropathic pain. Addresses risk-benefit balancing.

Lesson 4 • Disease-Modifying Treatments

Presents immunotherapy for inflammatory neuropathies, including IVIG, plasmapheresis, and corticosteroids. Connects treatment to underlying immune pathology.

Lesson 1 • Foot Care and Wound Prevention

Establishes protocols for daily foot inspection, footwear selection, and ulcer prevention in insensate feet. Directly reduces amputation risk.

Lesson 2 • Risk Factor Modification

Targets glycemic optimization, alcohol cessation, nutritional repletion, and toxin avoidance as modifiable drivers of neuropathy progression.

Lesson 3 • Monitoring and Follow-Up Planning

Designs structured follow-up schedules using validated scales, electrodiagnostic retesting, and patient-reported outcomes to track disease trajectory.

Lesson 4 • Physical and Occupational Therapy

Covers balance training, strengthening, gait retraining, and adaptive equipment prescription for neuropathy-related disability. Reduces fall risk and improves function.