The dorsal root ganglion under attack: the acquired sensory ganglionopathies

Acquired sensory ganglionopathies--or sensory neuronopathies--are a rare type of peripheral neuropathy characterised by damage to the sensory nerve cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia. Subacute or chronic in onset, sensory ganglionopathies typically present with a non-length dependent pattern of large fibre sensory loss. The causes of this distinct clinical picture include paraneoplastic syndromes, immune mediated diseases, infections, as well as drug, toxin and excess vitamin exposure. Here we discuss the clinical and pathological features of acquired sensory ganglionopathies and focus on a practical approach to their diagnosis and management.