Common peroneal nerve dysfunction

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Common peroneal nerve dysfunction

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - common peroneal nerve; Peroneal nerve injury; Peroneal nerve palsy

Symptoms

Decreased sensation, numbness or tingling at the top of the foot
Weakness of the ankles or feet
Walking abnormalities
"Slapping" gait (walking pattern)
Foot drop (unable to hold foot horizontal)
Toes drag while walking

Exams and Tests

Examination of the legs may show a loss of muscle control over the legs and feet. The foot or leg muscles may atrophy (lose mass). There is difficulty with dorsiflexion (lifting up the foot and toes) and with eversion (toe-out movements).

Muscle biopsy or a nerve biopsy may confirm the disorder, but they are rarely necessary.

Tests of nerve activity include:

EMG (a test of electrical activity in muscles)
Nerve conduction tests
MRI to look for compressive lesion along nerve

Other tests are guided by the suspected cause of the nerve dysfunction, as suggested by the person's history, symptoms, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various blood tests, x-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.


Common peroneal nerve dysfunction

Review Date: 8/6/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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