Abstract
After the more common illnesses that lead to weakness and respiratory failure have been excluded, establishing the definitive diagnosis leading to weakness and respiratory failure becomes more challenging. In this chapter, we present the less common conditions that lead to quadriparesis and respiratory failure. These diseases have distinct clinical presentations and mostly affect the peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction and muscles. Early recognition may lead to successful management. We present an overview of these diseases, their clinical presentation and management with emphasis on critical care.
Keywords
- Compound Muscle Action Potential
- Periodic Paralysis
- Critical Illness Polyneuropathy
- Acute Intermittent Porphyria
- Organophosphate Intoxication
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Torbey, M.T., Suarez, J.I., Geocadin, R. (2004). Less Common Causes of Quadriparesis and Respiratory Failure. In: Suarez, J.I. (eds) Critical Care Neurology and Neurosurgery. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-660-7_28
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