What are the distinguishing features on clinical examination between a neuropathy and a myopathy?
|
Neuropathy |
Myopathy |
|
|
Site of weakness |
Distal weakness |
Usually proximal |
|
Sensory |
May have concomitant sensory symptoms and signs |
Usually pure motor |
|
Reflexes |
Reflexes lost early |
Reflexes preserved till late |
|
Fasciculations |
Fasciculations may be |
Not typical |
|
Contractures |
Contractures not a |
Contractures present |
|
Myocardial dysfunction |
Not a typical feature |
May have |
This question closely resembles Question 14.1 from the first paper of 2013.
This college answer is slightly different, and better organised.
Chapter 57 (pp. 617) Neuromuscular diseases in intensive care by George Skowronski and Manoj K Saxena
UpToDate: An approach to the patient with muscle weakness
Young, G. Bryan, and Robert R. Hammond. "A stronger approach to weakness in the intensive care unit." Critical care 8.6 (2004): 416.