Overview
Peripheral neuritis, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition affecting the peripheral nerves, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. In pregnancy, these symptoms can be exacerbated or new-onset due to physiological changes.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation and neurological examination.
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity and type of nerve damage.Management
Management strategies aim to alleviate symptoms and address underlying causes.
Non-pharmacological interventions may include physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Pharmacological treatments may involve pain relievers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants, depending on the specific symptoms and severity.Special Populations
Pregnancy
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been used in pregnancy for voiding dysfunction and filling phase disorders 1.
In a systematic review, 58 women with 72 pregnancies underwent SNM, with 58.5% of SNM devices being ON during pregnancy 1.
Outcomes included full-term delivery in 75.4% of pregnancies, preterm labor in 18.5%, and two miscarriages 1.
Complications in patients with SNM devices included urinary tract infections 1.
The overall quality of evidence regarding SNM in pregnancy is low 1.Key Recommendations
Sacral neuromodulation may be considered for pregnant individuals with voiding dysfunction or filling phase disorders, although the evidence quality is low 1.
Monitoring for complications such as urinary tract infections is important in pregnant individuals with implanted devices like SNM 1.
The decision to use SNM during pregnancy should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the potential benefits and risks 1.References
1 Salehi-Pourmehr H, Atayi M, Mahdavi N, Aletaha R, Kashtkar M, Sharifimoghadam S et al.. Is sacral neuromodulation effective and safe in pregnancy? A systematic review. Neurourology and urodynamics 2023. link