The differential diagnosis for peripheral neuropathy of uncertain etiology is extensive, and the work-up presents a diagnostic challenge for the physician. Following initial clinical assessment, we recommend electrodiagnostic studies as the test of choice in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy of unclear cause. Subsequent laboratory testing can then be better specified according to the results of the electrodiagnostic studies and clinical assessment. This case report presents a 66-year-old female with a history of uncontrolled type-II diabetes who developed prominent sensorimotor neuropathy after experiencing several hypoglycemic episodes. Due to difficulties with insulin titration, over the course of 4 weeks, the patient quickly and drastically lowered her chronically elevated average serum glucose concentration to the point of suffering multiple periods of hypoglycemia. Soon after, she developed paresthesia in her hands and feet, as well as significant weakness in both upper and lower extremities. Unfortunately, the patient was lost to follow-up before a definitive diagnosis could be established. Hypoglycemia and rapid correction of long-standing hyperglycemia are relatively under-recognized sources of neuropathy in diabetic patients. Physicians taking care of diabetic patients who develop peripheral neuropathy following rapidly improved glycemic control or hypoglycemia should be aware of the possibility of a diabetic neuropathy and begin prompt work-up to exclude other causes before making the diagnosis of treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy or hypoglycemic neuropathy.
Back pain and its associated complications are of increasing importance among military members. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a common source of chronic low back pain (LBP) and functional disability. Many patients suffering from chronic LBP utilize opioids to help control their symptoms. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used extensively to treat pain emanating from many different musculoskeletal origins; however, its use in the SIJ has been studied only on a limited basis. The patient in this case report presented with chronic LBP localized to the SIJ and subsequent functional disability managed with high-dose opioids. After failure of traditional treatments, she was given an ultrasound-guided PRP injection of the SIJ which drastically decreased her pain and disability and eventually allowed for complete opioid cessation. Her symptom relief continued 1 year after the injection. This case demonstrates the potential of ultrasound-guided PRP injections as a long-term treatment for chronic LBP caused by SIJ dysfunction in military service members, which can also aid in the weaning of chronic opioid use.
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