Neurological assessment and degree of disability of leprosy patients: observation at diagnosis and at discharge

Background: Caring for leprosy patients requires neurological assessment for prevention of potential physical disabilities. This study focused on the neurological impairment and degree of physical incapacity (DI) at the time of the diagnosis and at discharge of leprosy patients from Dermatology Department of the University of the State of Pará. Methods and findings: It was a cross-sectional, observational study based on the medical records, neurological assessment and DI of 14 patients assisted at a referral service between 2012 and 2016, applying descriptive statistical analysis. At diagnosis were observed patients with decreased abduction forces of the 5th finger (14.28%), extension of hallux and foot dorsiflexion (10.72%); loss of protective sensitivity in the ulnar nerve area (3.57%) and tibial nerve area (25%); 7.15% of thickened ulnar nerve; DI 0 (64.28%) and DI 1 (35.72%). At discharge, 10.72% of the patients showed decreased abduction of the 5th finger, extension of hallux and foot dorsiflexion (14.28%); loss of protective sensitivity just in the tibial nerve area (17.87%); 4.28% of thickened ulnar nerve; DI 0 (78.57%) and DI 1 (21.43%). Conclusions: Therefore, most of the patients had normal neurological assessment and DI 0 at both moments, with reduction of alterations in discharge, except for the fibular nerve. Thus, it is highlighted the primary role of the health team, which constitutes one of the main agents promoters of health education, especially when it comes to preventing disabilities in leprosy.