Nutritional neuropathies / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

Neuropathies associated with nutritional deficiencies are not uncommon. Most neuropathies associated with nutritional deficiency are length dependent sensory axonal lesions, whereas the exception is cobalamin deficiency neuropathy, which is usually manifested as non-length dependent sensory neuropathy. Patients with cobalamin and copper deficiency neuropathy are characterized by myelopathy, while vitamin E deficiency is associated with spinocerebellar syndrome. Contrary to the neuropathy caused by nutrient deficiency, pyridoxine toxicity leads to non-length dependent sensory neuropathy. Malnutrition, malabsorption, increased nutritional loss (such as dialysis), autoimmune diseases (such as pernicious anemia) and some drugs that inhibit nutrient absorption can all lead to nutritional deficiency. Early detection and therapeutic nutritional supplement can stabilize or improve these neuropathies.