Urologie pro praxi 1/2016

Peripheral neuropathy from the perspective of a urologist

Peripheral neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of peripheral nerve diseases. The most common cause is diabetes mellitus that presents with frequent micturition, urgency, and/or urge incontinence in the initial phases. If untreated, lower urinary tract disease can be manifested by progressive loss of sensitivity, increasing residuum, and even urinary retention. Rarer causes of peripheral neuropathy and lower urinary tract dysfunction include, for instance, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hyperthyroidism, HIV, herpes simplex virus, or alcohol abuse. Initial diagnosis is generally non-invasive. Invasive examination methods are used when primary treatment fails. The treatment is dominated by pharmacological and behavioural therapies.

Keywords: diabetic cystopathy, lower urinary tract dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy.