Disorders of the peripheral nerves

Accurate diagnosis is important for the rehabilitation of people with disorders of the peripheral nerves. There are a small but increasing number of disorders that are now specifically treatable. Even in those disorders of peripheral nerves that do not currently have a specific treatment, accurate diagnosis remains important in order to determine natural history and prognosis. This will help to determine the rehabilitation strategy. Some conditions may recover spontaneously—such as Guillain–Barré syndrome—while others are progressive—such as the hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies. Some may require surgical intervention (e.g. the brachial plexus injuries). Disorders of peripheral nerves usually consist of several symptoms, and this chapter covers a range of disorders to indicate the range and extent of these disorders.