Polyneuropathy is a term for a disorder of the functions of many peripheral nerves - those that transmit information between the central nervous system (brain) and individual organs. What are the causes and symptoms of polyneuropathy? What is the treatment?

Contents:

  1. Polyneuropathies - causes and types
  2. Polyneuropathies - symptoms
  3. Polyneuropathies - diagnosis
  4. Polyneuropathies - treatment

Polyneuropathymeans damage to peripheral nerves, as well as nerve plexuses and nerve roots. The peripheral nervous system is the part of the nervous system that transmits information between the central nervous system (brain) and individual organs.

Polyneuropathies - causes and types

Polyneuropathies occur in the course of various diseases. The most commonly diagnosed isdiabetic polyneuropathy , which is damage to the peripheral nerves that occurs in the course of diabetes.

The second most common form of polyneuropathy is alcoholic neuropathy, which is the result of alcohol and a poor diet.

METABOLICTOXICIMMUNOLOGICALLY DETERMINED
  • diabetes
  • alcoholism
  • hypothyroidism
  • vitamin deficiency - especially from the B group
  • porphyria
  • liver disease
  • cancer
  • acromegaly
  • metal poisoning - arsenic, lead, thallium,
  • drug poisoning - drug poisoning, such as: thalidomide, disulfiram, glutethimide, metronidazole
  • Guillane-Barry Syndrome (CIDP)
  • chronic slowing neuropathy
  • after tetanus toxin
IN DISPROTEINEMENTSIN OTHER SYSTEM DISEASESHERITAGE
  • multiple myeloma
  • lymphiaki
  • acquired amyloidosis
  • monoclonal gammopathy
  • osteosclerotic myeloma
  • macroglobulinemia
  • sarcoidosis
  • leprosy
  • diphtheria

including:

  • Fabry's disease
  • mucopolysaccharidosis
  • Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease

Polyneuropathies - symptoms

1. Movement disorders

Muscle paresis (and with time their disappearance), especially in the area of ​​the hands and forearms as well as feet and lower legs, which is a symptom of falling arms and legs.

2. Sensory disturbance

  • sensory disturbance, all kinds, especially vibration
  • sensory impairment - especially around the arms and legs ("gloves and socks")
  • paresthesia (tingling, numbness, burning)
  • pains in limbs

3. Autonomic disorders

  • excessive sweating
  • cold and bluish skin
  • blisters on the skin
  • skin keratosis
  • nail changes (e.g. brittleness, color change to yellow-brown)

Deep reflexes may also be weakened or abolished (manifested by a contraction of a muscle whose tendon has been stretched with a hammer blow), mainly in the lower limbs. In rare cases, paralysis of the cranial nerves and disorders of the sphincters (e.g. the esophagus, which prevents the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus, or the anus, which blocks the passage of feces from the anus) have been observed.

All symptoms are rare together. Usually one type of symptom dominates (e.g. movement disorders).

Polyneuropathies - diagnosis

If polyneuropathy is suspected, perform electromyography (EMG) and electroneurography (ENG).

Polyneuropathies - treatment

Treatment of the disease that led to polyneuropathy is essential. For example, if you have diabetes, you should use insulin (or other diabetes medications) and use a proper lifestyle (including a proper diet).

In addition, vitamins (especially B vitamins) are given, preparations stimulating and improving peripheral circulation. Exercise, massage and physical therapy are also helpful.

Category:

Neurology