[Successful corticoid treatment of lumbosacral plexus neuropathy in heroin abuse. Clinical aspects, electrophysiology, therapy and follow-up]

Abstract

A 33 year old heroin addict developed a lumbosacral plexopathy which clinically and electrophysiologically resembled an "idiopathic lumbosacral plexus neuropathy". He complained of severe neuralgic pain, marked paresis, and distinct sensory loss in the right leg. The plexopathy was accompanied by rhabdomyolysis. He was treated with corticosteroids in high dosage. Within 3 days the disabling symptoms had almost completely disappeared. Clinical and electrophysiological findings are described in the course of the disease and are compared with the data in the literature.