Question

Predominantly sensory neuropathy is/are caused by:

• A. Cisplatin
• B. Pyridoxine excess
• C. Suramin
• D. a and b

Hint:

Both a platinum chemotherapy agent and an excess of vitamin B6 hit the dorsal root ganglion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: The question asks which agents produce a predominantly SENSORY neuropathy (sensory loss, paresthesias, sensory ataxia) rather than a motor or mixed pattern.

Step 2: Cisplatin, a platinum chemotherapy drug, is toxic to the dorsal root ganglia. This causes a dose-dependent, predominantly large-fiber sensory neuropathy with loss of vibration and proprioception. So option a is correct.

Step 3: Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in excess is a classic cause of a pure sensory neuropathy and sensory ataxia, again from dorsal root ganglion toxicity. So option b is correct.

Step 4: Suramin tends to cause a more mixed or demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy, not a predominantly sensory one. Since both cisplatin and pyridoxine excess fit, the best answer is option d, a and b.