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