|
|
|
| Home » Types of Neuropathy » Polyneuropathy |
|
Polyneuropathy |
|
|
Neuropathy is the disorder of the peripheral nervous system. One of the most common types of neuropathy include polyneuropathy. If you want to learn more about polyneuropathy just read on. As the name suggests polyneuropathy is the type of neuropathy where all the peripheral nerves of the body get affected simultaneously. Polyneuropathy is sometimes associated with motor nerves and sometimes with the sensory nerves. The acute polyneuropathy can develop all of a sudden without any prior notification. Chronic polyneuropathy takes several years before its proper manifestion.
|
|
Causes of polyneuropathy: There are many causes for the development of polyneuropathy. A patient having liver disease or endocrine disease can develop polyneuropathy. Vitamin deficiencies, various kinds of infections, polio, spinal muscular atrophy, cancer and catecholamine disorders are some of the differential causes of polyneuropathy. Heavy metal toxicity like mercury and lead can also cause polyneuropathy. Many drugs are also potential causative agents of polyneuropathy. Anticonvulsant drug like phenytoin can lead to polyneuropathy in patients. Many antibiotics can also cause polyneuropathy in patients.
Symptoms of Polyneuropathy: Patients with polyneuropathy often complain weakness in the limbs with pins and needles sensation. Often patients have complete loss of sensation in the extremities. Sensation loss is the first symptom that is seen in the patients suffering from polyneuropathy. Burning sensation, loss of vibration sense, pins and needles sensation, loss of sensation of position and numbness are also associated with polyneuropathic symptoms. Since patients loss the sense of position and location, walking is often affected in patients. Standing also becomes difficult for patients suffering from polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy also affects the autonomic nervous system of the body. Thus sexual dysfunction, constipation, fluctuation in blood pressure are also seen in patients suffering from polyneuropathy. The skin of the patients become dry and pale. Patients also loss control on bowel and bladder.
Treatments in Polyneuropathy: Patients with polyneuropathy are treated according to the cause of the disease. For diabetic neuropathy, treatment of diabetes is done. Withdrawal of vitamin intake is done if polyneuropathy develops due to excessive intake of vitamin B6. When tumor formation supresses the peripheral nerves leading to polyneuropathy, the tumor is to be surgically removed to reduce the effect of polyneuropathy.
Diagnosis of polyneuropathy: Physical examination followed by various examination procedures are carried to out to diagnose polyneuropathy. Electromyography is the most common test to confirm polyneuropathic condition. There are also several nerve conduction studies that further confirm polyneuropathy. Routine blood and urine tests are also done by physicians to find out the probable cause of polyneuropathy in patients. Sometimes a nerve biopsy can also be carried out by physicians.
It is seen that patients with polyneuropathy often develop injuries in the presure points. It is advisable to avoid prolonged pressures in the presure points like knees and elbows to avoid the formation of new nerve injuries. Sitting with crossed knees is not advisable to patients with polyneuropathy.
For more detailed information about neuropathy keep browsing through the pages only at our site Neuropathyhub.com and experience a hassle free and smooth navigation
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
