Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms 3

Question 1

A patient reports symptoms that are worse at night and improve slightly with walking. This nocturnal worsening is most characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Painful peripheral neuropathy

Answer

Neuropathic pain, especially diabetic, classically intensifies at night.

Question 2

Which symptom pattern best describes a small-fiber neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Burning pain and temperature loss with preserved strength and reflexes

Answer

Small-fiber neuropathy causes burning pain and thermal loss while strength and reflexes stay intact.

Question 3

A patient with neuropathy frequently trips and reports a 'slapping' gait. This is most consistent with weakness of which movement?

Accepted Answer

Dorsiflexion (lifting the foot)

Answer

Foot drop from dorsiflexion weakness causes a slapping, high-stepping gait.

Question 4

Which finding indicates large-fiber involvement on examination?

Accepted Answer

Loss of vibration and proprioception

Answer

Large fibers carry vibration and position sense, so their loss reflects large-fiber damage.

Question 5

A patient reports electric, shooting pains down the limb. This type of neuropathic pain is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Lancinating

Answer

Lancinating pain is sharp, sudden, and shooting, typical of neuropathic pain.

Neuropathy Practice Test