Clinical and Neurophysiological Features of Sensory Neuronopathy

Abstract

Objective: To improve the understanding of clinical and neurophysiological features of sensory neuronopathy and to achieve early diagnosis of the cause of sensory neuronopathy. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations and neurophysiological features of 16 cases of sensory neuronopathy with a clear diagnosis. Results: The study subjects consisted of 6 males and 10 females, aged 42–71 years old, with a mean age of 55 years old. 10 cases were diagnosed with the sensation of walking on cotton, 4 cases complained of numbness and burning sensation in one or both hands, and 2 cases complained of weakness of the limbs. 4 cases had paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy, 3 cases had autoimmune sensory neuronopathy, 2 cases had platinum-associated sensory neuronopathy, and 7 cases had idiopathic sensory neuronopathy. Sensory nerve action potentials were significantly reduced or lost in 16 patients, 12 cases were widespread in the limbs, and 4 cases were asymmetric. There was no obvious abnormality in motor nerve conduction. Conclusion: Sensory neuronopathies of various etiologies have common characteristic neurophysiological manifestations, and mastering the neurophysiological characteristics of sensory neuronopathies can lead to early identification of sensory neuronopathies.