What are the causes and what is the treatment for polyneuropathy?

Answer

Polyneuropathy is an impairment of the peripheral nerves that innervate our trunk and limbs. The symptoms are varied, but usually a combination of several symptoms:

Motor: reduction of strength and muscle mass

Sensible: reduced feeling, with or without tingling, tingling or pain

Autonomic : reduced blood flow, skin changes, possibly bladder or genital disorders.

The symptoms very often affect the ends of the body first, i.e. lower legs and feet, hands and forearms (glove-stocking shape).

The first question is whether the diagnosis is correct. For example, polyneuropathy is often confused with restless legs, which cause difficulty in resting or sitting still, especially in the evening. These complaints are not necessarily due to polyneuropathy and should be treated differently.

The causes of polyneuropathy are highly variable and depend on the type of neuropathy. This type is distinguished by an electromyographic examination, which at the same time is also the diagnostic examination for the presence of a polyneuropathy.

The most common causes in our regions are alcohol consumption and diabetes. Sometimes a cause is difficult to find. It is rarely a hereditary condition. Consulting a specialist/neurologist is recommended in this regard, even before starting any treatment.

Prof.Dr.P.Santens, neurologist UZ Gent