CATAMENIAL MONONEUROPATHY AND RADICULOPATHY - A TREATABLE NEUROPATHICDISORDER

Object. The aim of this study was to investigate the indications and t reatment options in patients with lower-extremity neuropathies and rad iculopathies caused by endometriosis. Methods. The authors identified five patients whose symptoms included catamenial pain, weakness, and s ensory loss involving the sciatic and femoral nerves and multiple lumb osacral nerve roots. Radiographic studies supported the diagnosis of c atamenial neuropathy or radiculopathy, but definitive diagnosis depend ed on surgical and pathological examination. Treatment of symptoms, in cluding physical therapy and a course of antiinflammatory or analgesic medication, was not helpful. Patients responded favorably to hormonal therapy. Laparoscopy or open exploration for extrapelvic lesions was performed for diagnosis or for treatment when hormone therapy failed. Pain and sensory symptoms responded well to therapy. Weakness improved , but never recovered completely. Conclusions. Catamenial neuropathy o r radiculopathy should be considered when evaluating reproductive-age women with recurring focal neuropathic leg pain, weakness, and sensory loss.