Diabetic Lumbosacral Plexopathy Differential Diagnoses

  • Author: Divakara Kedlaya, MBBS; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 4, 2011
 
 

Diagnostic Considerations

The diagnosis of diabetic lumbosacral plexopathy is generally based on the clinical presentation, including the presence of diabetes, and neural studies (see Clinical Presentation and Workup). In addition to the conditions listed in the Differentials section (see Differentials), the following should also be considered:

  • Immune-mediated lichen planus - vasculitis
  • Hemorrhage
  • Hematoma
  • Intra-arterial injections
  • Ischemic lumbar plexopathy
  • Obstetric-gynecologic complications or complications following any pelvic surgery
  • Lumbar radiculopathy
  • Other causes of lumbosacral plexopathy

It is especially important to distinguish diabetic lumbosacral plexopathy from compressive radiculopathy in order to spare patients unnecessary surgery.

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Divakara Kedlaya, MBBS  Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Loma Linda University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management, St Mary Corwin Medical Center

Divakara Kedlaya, MBBS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Paraplegia Society, and Colorado Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Teresa L Massagli, MD  Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine

Teresa L Massagli, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Michael T Andary, MD, MS  Professor, Residency Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael T Andary, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Chief Editor

Robert H Meier III, MD  Director, Amputee Services of America; Active Medical Staff, Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital; Consulting Staff, Kindred Hospital

Robert H Meier III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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