A disease or disorder affecting more than one nerve

Symptoms of Polyneuropathies

The following features are indicative of Polyneuropathies:
  • loss of function
  • numbness
  • tremor
  • impairment of balance
  • gait abnormality
  • tingling
  • pain
  • itching
  • crawling
  • pins-and-needles
  • weakness
  • tiredness
  • muscle atrophy
  • gait abnormalities
  • cramps
  • muscle twitch
It is possible that Polyneuropathies shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Polyneuropathies

The following are the most common causes of Polyneuropathies:
  • high blood sugar levels over a long time
  • autoimmune disorders
  • chronic kidney disease
  • infections such as HIV/AIDS, shingles, hepatitis C
  • metabolic disease
  • poisoning due to heavy metals, such as lea

Other Causes of Polyneuropathies

The following are the less common causes of Polyneuropathies:
  • poor blood flow to the legs
  • bone marrow disorder

Risk Factors for Polyneuropathies

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Polyneuropathies:
  • poor blood sugar control
  • diabetes for long period of time
  • kidney disease
  • being overweight
  • smoking

Prevention of Polyneuropathies

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Polyneuropathies. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • blood sugar control
  • healthy lifestyle

Occurrence of Polyneuropathies

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Polyneuropathies cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Polyneuropathies can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Polyneuropathies can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Polyneuropathies

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Polyneuropathies:
  • A full medical history: To check the history of any nervous system (neurological) diseases
  • Neurological examination: To check tendon reflexes, muscle strength and tone, ability to feel certain sensations, posture and coordination
  • Blood tests: To detect vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function and other indications of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy
  • CT scan (Computed Tomography): To look for herniated disks, tumors or other abnormalities
  • Nerve function tests: To detect nerve damage
  • Nerve biopsy: To look for nerve abnormalities
  • Skin biopsy: To look for a reduction in nerve endings

Doctor for Diagnosis of Polyneuropathies

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Polyneuropathies:
  • Neurologist

Complications of Polyneuropathies if untreated

Yes, Polyneuropathies causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Polyneuropathies is left untreated:
  • loss of a limb
  • charcot joint
  • urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence
  • hypoglycemia unawareness
  • low blood pressure
  • digestive problems
  • sexual dysfunction

Procedures for Treatment of Polyneuropathies

The following procedures are used to treat Polyneuropathies:
  • Physical therapy: Help to improve movements
  • Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin: Help to suppress immune system activity

Self-care for Polyneuropathies

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Polyneuropathies:
  • take care of feet, especially if you have diabetes
  • do exercise
  • quit smoking
  • eat healthy meals
  • avoid excessive alcohol
  • monitor your blood glucose levels

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Polyneuropathies

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Polyneuropathies:
  • Acupuncture: To reduce peripheral neuropathy symptoms
  • Herbs: Evening primrose oil help reduce neuropathy pain in people with diabetes
  • Amino acids: Acetyl-L-carnitine might benefit people who have undergone chemotherapy and people with diabetes

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Polyneuropathies.
Idiopathic neuropathy
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Movement Disorders
Idiopathic neuropathy

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