What is polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy refers to damage to multiple peripheral nerves, i.e., those nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. It usually begins symmetrically in the feet and hands and can spread slowly.
As many different causes can be involved, a thorough diagnosis is crucial – the progression can often be halted by treating the underlying disease.
What are the symptoms of polyneuropathy?
Typical symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning pain, and muscle weakness, usually starting in the feet and hands. The symptoms often worsen at night.
What causes polyneuropathy?
Causes include metabolic disorders, nutrient deficiencies, chronic alcohol consumption, inflammation, or other underlying diseases that damage the nerves.
Welche Prognose kann ich erwarten?
Addressing the underlying cause often halts its progression; some symptoms may even resolve.
What are the risk factors for polyneuropathy?
- Diabetes mellitus
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chronic alcohol consumption
- Certain diseases and medications
- Older age
What are the treatment methods for polyneuropathy?
The focus is on treating the underlying cause, supplemented by pain-relieving and nerve-supporting measures, as well as targeted exercise therapy.
Welche Vorbeugungen können getroffen werden?
Prevention involves treating the underlying causes – such as well-controlled blood sugar, avoiding alcohol, and correcting a vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Wie verläuft der typische Zeitablauf?
Polyneuropathy is usually chronic and progresses slowly. Its course depends heavily on the underlying cause.
Welche Komplikationen können auftreten?
- Numbness, tingling, and nerve pain
- Unsteady gait and risk of falling
- Poorly healing wounds on the feet, especially with diabetes
How does Clínica Es Castell help with polyneuropathy?
Clínica Es Castell in Mallorca comprehensively diagnoses the causes of polyneuropathy – including blood and vital sign diagnostics – and treats them specifically. Find out more in the section Neurology & Nervous System; laboratory diagnostics are performed via Hematology & Vital Diagnostics.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What causes it?
Often diabetes, alcohol, or a vitamin deficiency; but there are many other causes.
Is polyneuropathy curable?
That depends on the cause; its progression can often be halted.
Finde mehr Informationen
- IQWiG / gesundheitsinformation.de – gesundheitsinformation.de
- German Society of Neurology – dgn.org