Neuropathy Peripheral Neuropathy Facts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of diabetes complication is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States?
- Diabetic neuropathy (Correct answer)
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bell's palsy
Correct answer: Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S., with high blood sugar damaging nerves over time.
Question 2: A patient describes a 'stocking-glove' distribution of numbness. What does this pattern typically indicate?
- Symmetric distal polyneuropathy (Correct answer)
- A single pinched nerve
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
Correct answer: Symmetric distal polyneuropathy
The stocking-glove pattern affects the feet and hands symmetrically, characteristic of distal polyneuropathy.
Question 3: Which vitamin deficiency is a well-known cause of peripheral neuropathy?
- Vitamin B12 (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
Correct answer: Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency impairs myelin maintenance and can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Question 4: Sensory nerves carry information about all of the following EXCEPT:
- Muscle contraction commands (Correct answer)
- Pain
- Temperature
- Touch
Correct answer: Muscle contraction commands
Motor nerves carry muscle contraction commands, while sensory nerves transmit pain, temperature, and touch.
Question 5: Which symptom is most characteristic of autonomic neuropathy?
- Abnormal blood pressure or digestion control (Correct answer)
- Sharp shooting pain in the hands
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Loss of light touch in the feet
Correct answer: Abnormal blood pressure or digestion control
Autonomic neuropathy affects involuntary functions like blood pressure regulation, digestion, and heart rate.
Question 6: Why are foot ulcers a serious risk for people with peripheral neuropathy?
- Loss of sensation means injuries go unnoticed (Correct answer)
- Nerves cause excessive sweating that softens skin
- Increased pain makes patients walk more
- Neuropathy thickens the skin protectively
Correct answer: Loss of sensation means injuries go unnoticed
Reduced sensation lets minor wounds go unnoticed and worsen, sometimes leading to serious infection.
Question 7: Which class of medication is commonly prescribed to manage neuropathic pain?
- Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Correct answer)
- Beta-blockers
- Antibiotics
- Antacids
Correct answer: Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin
Anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin are first-line treatments for neuropathic pain.
Neuropathy Peripheral Neuropathy Facts 2
Which type of diabetes complication is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States?