Open AccessNeurological examination of patients suffering from leprosy: is it worthwhile?
Author(s) -
F. G. I. Jennekens,
A. JennekensSchinkel
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
leprosy review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 2162-8807
pISSN - 0305-7518
DOI - 10.5935/0305-7518.19920032
Subject(s) - medicine , leprosy , mononeuritis multiplex , neurological examination , dermatology , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , pathology , disease , vasculitis
We examined 28 male leprosy patients to discover if a more extensive neurological investigation than usual would be worthwhile in diagnosis and/or management. Our findings were fully compatible with what might be expected from a mononeuritis multiplex, either due to leprosy or other causes. The following observations are noteworthy. Changes of position sense and a decrease of some tendon reflexes were present in a minority of the patients. In soles of the feet, considered to be an- or hypaesthetic, some residual pain sensation could occasionally be detected. Functional testing of at least one muscle group (m. triceps surae) appeared to be more reliable than manual testing according to MRC criteria. We concluded that an extensive neurological examination is probably not required for diagnosis. It does provide, however, more accurate information on the extent of damage to the peripheral nervous system, which may be important for management and for assessment of treatment effects. The use of a myometer is advocated.