Medication-induced peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Although not very common, medication-induced neuropathy is a treatable condition and, therefore, is important to identify. Medications continue to grow in number and expand in usage; consequently, toxic neuropathy continues to be relevant to neurologists. Many agents have toxicities that are tolerated because the treatments are necessary, such as therapies for HIV and malignancy. Additional agents to prevent or ameliorate the toxic neuropathy are being sought and trials are ongoing. Certain patients, however, may be at high risk for peripheral nerve toxicity due to genetic factors or another underlying neuropathy. Newer drug-delivery methods, such as viral transfection, may produce less toxicity in the future. The underlying pathomechanisms remain incompletely elucidated; however, apoptosis is emerging as an important final pathway in some forms of toxic neuropathy. Although most cases demonstrate acute or subacute onset after exposure, recent experiences with statin drugs raise the possibility of occult toxic causes of chronic idiopathic neuropathy.

Electrophysiological Features of Taxane-Induced Polyneuropathy in Patients With Breast Cancer

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Discovering cytokines as targets for chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy

“…Additionally, the endoneural compartment lacks lymphatic system to remove toxins. 9 These factors increase the peripheral nerve vulnerability to potentially toxic medications as compared to the central nervous system. There is also evidence that chemotherapy drugs may directly damage the structure of the DRG cells and peripheral nerves that cause degeneration of sensory fibers or loss of small nerve fibers in the epidermal layer.…”

Medication-induced exacerbation of neuropathy in Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

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