Polyneuropathy

Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist
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Rx Neurology (A - Z)

Polyneuropathy is when many nerves throughout the body become damaged, often leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, or weakness. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Polyneuropathy refers to a condition where multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body malfunction simultaneously. Think of it like a network of electrical wires in your house. If many wires go haywire at the same time, multiple devices or lights might stop working. Similarly, with polyneuropathy, multiple nerves stop working properly, causing a range of symptoms.

Types:

  1. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): A type where nerve covering is damaged.
  2. Diabetic Neuropathy: Due to high blood sugar.
  3. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): A rapid onset type after an infection.
  4. Alcoholic Polyneuropathy: Caused by excessive alcohol.
  5. Toxic Polyneuropathy: Due to toxins or drugs.
  6. Hereditary Polyneuropathies: It’s in the genes.
  7. Nutritional or Vitamin-related Polyneuropathy: Lack of certain nutrients.
  8. Idiopathic Polyneuropathies: Unknown cause.
  9. Axonal Neuropathy: The nerve’s long extension (axon) is affected.
  10. Demyelinating Neuropathy: The protective covering of the nerves (myelin sheath) is damaged.
  11. Sensory Neuropathy: Only the sensory nerves are affected.
  12. Motor Neuropathy: Only the motor nerves are affected.
  13. Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects the nerves controlling body functions like heartbeat, digestion, etc.
  14. Acute Neuropathy: Rapid onset and short duration.
  15. Chronic Neuropathy: Slow onset but lasts for a long time.

Causes:

  1. Diabetes: High sugar damages nerves.
  2. Alcohol abuse: Toxic to nerves.
  3. Chemotherapy drugs: Side effect.
  4. Kidney disease: Build-up of harmful substances.
  5. Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function.
  6. Infections: Like Lyme disease or HIV.
  7. Autoimmune diseases: Body attacks itself.
  8. Vitamin deficiencies: Especially B12.
  9. Inherited disorders: Genetic issues.
  10. Exposure to toxins: Lead, mercury.
  11. Certain medications: Like some for seizures.
  12. Bone marrow disorders: Like lymphoma.
  13. Liver disease: Affects nerve function.
  14. Connective tissue disorders: Like rheumatoid arthritis.
  15. Vascular damage: Blood flow issues.
  16. Chronic inflammation: Body’s prolonged defensive response.
  17. Trauma: Injury to the nerves.
  18. Tumors: Pressing on nerves.
  19. Injury from surgeries: Rare but possible.
  20. Unknown causes: Sometimes, reasons remain unclear.

Symptoms:

  1. Tingling: Often in hands or feet.
  2. Numbness: Loss of feeling.
  3. Weakness: Especially in muscles.
  4. Pain: Sharp, throbbing, or burning.
  5. Heat intolerance: Feeling hot.
  6. Excessive sweating: Or the opposite.
  7. Loss of coordination: Feeling clumsy.
  8. Muscle atrophy: Muscles become smaller.
  9. Cramps: Involuntary muscle contractions.
  10. Difficulty swallowing: Or talking.
  11. Dizziness: Or balance problems.
  12. Bladder problems: Like incontinence.
  13. Digestive problems: Constipation, diarrhea.
  14. Irregular heart rate: Heart beats too fast or slow.
  15. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing.
  16. Vision problems: Due to eye muscle issues.
  17. Facial weakness: Drooping of face.
  18. Hearing issues: Nerve affects hearing.
  19. Paralysis: Loss of movement.
  20. Sensitivity to touch: Even light touch hurts.

Diagnostic Tests:

  1. Neurological examination: Doctor checks reflexes.
  2. Blood tests: For diabetes, kidney function.
  3. Nerve function tests: Like electromyography.
  4. Nerve biopsy: Small nerve sample taken.
  5. MRI: Detailed images of body.
  6. CT scan: X-ray images in detail.
  7. Lumbar puncture: Tests spinal fluid.
  8. Urine tests: For kidney issues.
  9. Genetic tests: For hereditary types.
  10. Skin biopsy: To see nerve endings.
  11. Sweat tests: Nerve function related to sweat glands.
  12. Tilt table test: For blood pressure and pulse issues.
  13. Quantitative sensory testing: Checks nerve function.
  14. Autonomic testing: How body responds to stimuli.
  15. Nerve conduction studies: Speed of nerve signals.
  16. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Heart rhythm check.
  17. Ultrasound: Check physical abnormalities.
  18. X-rays: Look for tumors or other issues.
  19. Gastrointestinal tests: If digestion affected.
  20. Bladder tests: If urinary problems.

Treatments:

  1. Control Blood Sugar: Manage diabetes.
  2. Physical Therapy: Regain strength and mobility.
  3. Occupational Therapy: Learn to manage daily tasks.
  4. Pain Management: Medications, therapies, etc.
  5. Braces or Orthopedic Devices: Aid movement.
  6. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): For pain relief.
  7. Plasma Exchange: For autoimmune causes.
  8. Immunosuppressive Drugs: Control immune response.
  9. Vitamin Therapy: B12, E supplements.
  10. Dietary Changes: Balanced diet.
  11. Avoid Alcohol: Limit or stop alcohol intake.
  12. Warm Baths: Soothe nerves.
  13. Massage: Improve circulation.
  14. Acupuncture: Reduce pain.
  15. Exercise: Regular, moderate.
  16. Counseling: For emotional health.
  17. Wearing Protective Shoes: Prevent foot injuries.
  18. Avoid Toxins: Minimize exposure. 19

Drugs:

  1. Gabapentin: For nerve pain.
  2. Pregabalin: Pain relief.
  3. Amitriptyline: Depression drug, helps nerve pain.
  4. Capsaicin: Topical pain reliever.
  5. Duloxetine: Depression drug, also for nerve pain.
  6. Venlafaxine: Similar to Duloxetine.
  7. Carbamazepine: Controls seizures, helps nerve pain.
  8. Topiramate: Another anti-seizure drug.
  9. Tramadol: Pain relief.
  10. Oxycodone: For severe pain.
  11. Corticosteroids: Reduces inflammation.
  12. NSAIDs: Pain and inflammation control.
  13. Immunosuppressants: Like prednisone.
  14. Intravenous immunoglobulin: Boosts immune system.
  15. Cyclosporine: Immune system suppressant.
  16. Tacrolimus: Like cyclosporine.
  17. Mycophenolate: Another immunosuppressant.
  18. Rituximab: For autoimmune types.
  19. Azathioprine: Immune system control.
  20. Methotrexate: For CIDP and autoimmune types

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, always seek the advice of a medical professional before trying any treatments to ensure to find the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this page or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://illnesshacker.com/
  7. https://endinglines.com/
  8. https://www.jaad.org/
  9. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  10. https://books.google.com/books?
  11. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  12. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
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  15. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
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  17. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
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References

 

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