Does lymphedema produce neurological deficits?
Lymphedema does not cause focal sensory or motor deficits. When weakness, numbness, loss of dexterity, or paresthesias parallels the onset and progression of lymphedema, a unifying diagnosis should be sought. Recurrent cancer, particularly lung or breast cancer in the upper thorax, can infiltrate or exogenously compress nerves and lymph vessels/nodes. Workup should include either an MRI or CT scan with contrast. Electrodiagnostic evaluation allows identification of the precise nerves affected. In this way, plexopathies can be distinguished from radiculopathies and peripheral mononeuropathies. As mentioned previously, patients may report “tingling” in the distribution of their lymphedema. With close questioning, patients generally can distinguish this “tingling” from the numbness and paresthesias (“pins and needles” sensation) associated with nerve compromise. Pinprick and light touch testing on neurological examination may be globally diminished throughout the territory affected by lym
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