The doctor described the symptoms and causes of polyneuropathy

Have you noticed tingling in your extremities or are you struggling with unexplained muscle weakness? These symptoms may indicate polyneuropathy. But what are the causes of this nerve disease?

The symptoms of polyneuropathy can vary depending on the severity and type of nerves affected.

What is polyneuropathy?

Polyneuropathy (often also called “peripheral polyneuropathy” or “peripheral neuropathy” (PN)) is a condition in which the peripheral nerves are damaged. This can include, for example, the nerves in the arms and legs or the nerves that innervate internal organs.

The most common causes

“The most common causes of polyneuropathy are diabetes and alcohol abuse,” says a neurologist.

In diabetes, constantly elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerve cells. In alcohol abuse, some alcohol breakdown products can directly damage nerves. In addition, in alcoholics, a poor and unbalanced diet can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is very important for the functioning of the nervous system.

Other causes

In addition to diabetes and alcohol abuse, there are many other possible causes of polyneuropathy. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g. in vegans or after gastric surgery)
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Thyroid dysfunction (underactive and hyperactive)
  • Gout
  • Toxins (such as arsenic, lead)
  • Chemical solvents (e.g. hydrocarbons such as benzene or trichloroethene, alcohols such as methanol)
  • Some acute infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, diphtheria, HIV, etc.
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (autoimmune disease)
  • Fabry disease (inborn error of metabolism)
  • Cancer (the first sign here may be polyneuropathy) or due to chemotherapy.

“Stress can also play a role in the development of polyneuropathy. Under stressful conditions, dormant viruses can resurface – for example, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster virus (the causative agent of shingles) or herpes simplex virus.”

Genetically determined polyneuropathy

In rare cases, nerve damage is genetically determined. There are various congenital diseases associated with polyneuropathy. This includes HMSN (hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy), which has several subtypes.

Other congenital or hereditary polyneuropathies include Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, Friedreich's ataxia or Louis-Bar syndrome.

Sensory Nerve Disorders

Sensory nerve disorders, which are common, are characterized by abnormal sensations, tingling, burning or stabbing pain, and numbness.

“They often affect the toes first, and when the feet are affected, they can cause problems with coordination when walking. People with severe polyneuropathy often have reduced pain sensation, which can increase the risk of injury.”

Motor Nerve Disorders

Motor nerve damage leads to weakness in the affected muscles, and in the worst case, muscle spasms or paralysis. When the nerves have insufficient or no control over the muscles, muscle loss (muscle atrophy) can occur, which occurs particularly rapidly in the muscles of the arms and legs.

“In the later stages, patients may become dependent on mechanical aids (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs).”

Autonomic Nerve Disorders

Disturbances of the autonomic nerves that control the function of internal organs can lead to complications that severely limit the quality of life.

“These include, for example, impaired gastrointestinal function and bladder emptying, as well as life-threatening complications such as respiratory arrest or cardiac arrhythmias.”

Alcoholic neuropathy

Alcoholic neuropathy is a slowly progressive disease that causes nerve disorders mainly in the legs. Symptoms are symmetrical and can include pain, numbness, sensory disturbances, muscle atrophy, and pronounced muscle relaxation. In severe cases, symptoms of polyneuropathy may also develop in the eye area, such as: B. Visual disturbances and paralysis of the eye muscles.

Diabetic polyneuropathy

A special form of polyneuropathy is diabetic polyneuropathy, in which symptoms appear gradually and are initially noticeable as numbness or tingling in the legs.

“A common side effect is the so-called “burning leg syndrome” – burning pain in the legs.”

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Author: alex

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