Clinical and electrophysiological study of diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy

Objective To explore the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (DLRPN). Methods The clinical, electrophysiological and neuroimaging changes in 15 cases of DLRPN were investigated. Results The major clinical manifestations of 13 cases were unilateral or asymmetrical pain and progressive muscular weakness and atrophy of the proximal lower limb. The nerve conduction studies in affected nerves showed absent or reduced compound muscle action potential amplitudes and sensory responses with proportionate slowing of the conduction velocities. F waves and H reflexes were of long latencies or absent. Electromyography of affected muscles showed positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials involving lumbar paraspinal muscles. Assessment of the motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) revealed high amplitude, long duration, and polyphasic MUAPs with reduced recruitment 50% cases have much lower R-R interval variation. Conclusions DLRPN presents disabling pain and muscular weakness and elctrophysiological examination has a paramount value in the diagnosis and evaluation of this disease Key words: Diabetic;  Nerve root;  Nerve plexus;  Electrophysiology