Polyneuropathy: Symptoms,Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Polyneuropathy is also known as Polyneuritis, Multiple neuropathy.Polyneuropathy is damage or disease affecting peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy) in roughly the same areas on both sides of the body, featuring weakness, numbness, and burning pain.It usually begins in the hands and feet and may progress to the arms and legs and sometimes to other parts of the body where it may affect the autonomic nervous system.

In the treatment of polyneuropathies one must ascertain and manage the cause, among management activities are: weight decrease, use of a walking aid, and occupational therapist assistance. Additionally BP control in those with diabetes is helpful, while intravenous immunoglobulin is used for multifocal motor neuropathy.

If any of the symptoms of polyneuropathy are experienced such as weakness, pain, or tingling in the hands or feet it is important to see a doctor.Implementing a treatment plan as soon as possible is important to manage symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.

A variety of medical conditions and other factors can cause polyneuropathy, including:

1. Diabetes: This can be a significant risk factor, especially if blood glucose levels are poorly controlled. One study of more than 1,400 people with type 2 diabetes found that every fifth person had diabetic neuropathy.
2. Alcohol abuse: Alcohol can damage nerve tissue, and alcohol abuse is often associated with nutritional deficiencies that contribute to neuropathy.
3. Autoimmune conditions: The immune system attacks the body, causing damage to nerves and other areas. Conditions include Sjogren's syndrome, celiac disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
4. Bacterial or viral infections:Certain infections can lead to neuropathy, including Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
5. Bone marrow disorders: Examples of these include abnormal proteins in the blood, some forms of bone cancer, and lymphoma.

According to Lopate, methylprednisolone is a viable treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinative polyneuropathy (which can also be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin) The author(s) also indicate that prednisone has greater adverse effects in such treatment, as opposed to intermittent (high-doses) of the aforementioned medication.In critical illness polyneuropathy supportive and preventive therapy are important for the affected individual, as well as, avoiding (or limiting) corticosteroids.It may be acute or chronic. A number of different disorders may cause polyneuropathy, including diabetes and some types of Guillain–Barré syndrome.

Several different medications are available to treat neuropathy and its symptoms. These include:Medications for associated conditions: Conditions that may be causing polyneuropathy should be managed through various treatments, including medication if recommended by a doctor. Examples include insulin for diabetes and thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism.Pain medications: Over-the-counter pain relief can be beneficial for those with mild to moderate pain. These medications should not be taken on a long-term basis.Prescription medications: Some antidepressants, such as a group of medications called TCAs (including amitriptilyne or nortriptilyne), can be used, and another group called SNRIs, such as duloxetine, may also help.

Corticosteroid injections could possibly be used for mononeuropathies, and some seizure medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin may help.A variety of medical procedures are available. They include:Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: Electrodes send a gentle current of electricity through the skin. This can help with pain and sensitivity.Plasma exchange: People with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions may benefit from this therapy. The practitioner removes blood from the body, then separates antibodies and other proteins from the blood, before returning the blood to the body.Immune globulin therapy: Those with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions are given high levels of proteins to act as antibodies, which helps with immune function.Physical therapy: People with muscle weakness or coordination issues may find physical therapy helpful.

Fingers and toes (most common)This may move gradually upward in a stocking-glove type fashion.Bowel.May cause or worsen constipation May lead to conditions such as ileus (intestinal blockage).Other; face, back, chest.

It is usually strongest right after a chemo treatment, but tends to lessen just before the next treatment. The symptoms usually peak about 3-5 months after the last dose of treatment is taken. The abnormal sensations may disappear completely, or lessen only partially; they may also involve less of the body. If neuropathy diminishes, it is a gradual process usually requiring several months. However, in some cases it may be irreversible and never diminish in intensity or the area of the body affected.Recovery may be helped by:Good nutrition including foods rich in thiamine, protein and antioxidants.

No specific information is available.

Polyneuropathy can depend on the underlying cause, which nerves are damaged and the extent of the damage.For some people, treating the underlying cause can lead to improvements. For others, the damage is permanent.Peripheral neuropathy that leads to numbness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet is much more commonly associated with chemotherapy medications than autonomic neuropathy. When peripheral neuropathy develops as a result of chemotherapy, symptoms typically fade away within several months of the end of treatment. Although it's uncommon, in some cases peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy can last for years, or it may be permanent.