Polyneuropathy

Understanding Polyneuropathy

Polyneuropathy is a condition that affects multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, pain, and impaired motor function. It can be either acute or chronic and may result from a variety of causes, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, infections, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, or genetic disorders.

Polyneuropathy can present in several forms, including:

• Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Often caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels in diabetes.
• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): An autoimmune condition resulting in nerve damage.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): An acute, immune-mediated attack on nerves that can cause rapid onset of symptoms.
• Alcoholic Polyneuropathy: Nerve damage resulting from chronic alcohol abuse.
• Toxic or Chemotherapy-Induced Polyneuropathy: Nerve injury due to exposure to toxins or the side effects of certain medications.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Polyneuropathy:

• Weakness: Muscle weakness, often beginning in the feet and hands.
• Numbness and Tingling: Loss of sensation or a “pins and needles” feeling, typically in a “stocking-glove” distribution.
• Pain: Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the affected areas.
• Impaired Motor Function: Difficulty with coordination, balance, or performing fine motor tasks.
• Loss of Reflexes: Reduced or absent reflex responses during physical examination.

This information is provided as a resource and is not intended to diagnose a condition or prescribe treatment. Please discuss any symptoms you may exhibit with your physician.