Polyneuropathy

Question 1

What is polyneuropathy?

Answer 1

Damage or disease affecting peripheral nerves in roughly the same areas on both sides of the body

Question 2

What are the features of polyneuropathy?

Answer 2

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Burning pain

Question 3

Where does polyneuropathy usually begin?

Answer 3

In the hands and feet

Question 4

Where can polyneuropathy progress to from the hands and feet?

Answer 4

• Arms and legs

- Sometimes other parts of the body

Question 5

How many main patterns of polyneuropathy are there?

Answer 5

3

Question 6

What are the 3 patterns of polyneuropathy?

Answer 6

• Acute symmetrical peripheral neuropathy
• Chronic symmetrical peripheral neuropathy
• Multiple mononeuropathy

Question 7

What can the causes of polyneuropathy be divided into?

Answer 7

• Inherited causes

- Acquired causes

Question 8

What are the inherited causes of polyneuropathy?

Answer 8

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

- HNPP

Question 9

What are the acquired causes of polyneuropathy?

Answer 9

• DM
• Vascular neuropathy
• Alcohol abuse
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Question 10

What types of symptoms can patients with polyneuropathy experience?

Answer 10

• Altered sensation
• Pain
• Weakenss
• Autonomic symptoms

Question 11

What part of the body is usually affected first in sensory polyneuropathy?

Answer 11

Feet

Question 12

What are some features of sensory polyneuropathy?

Answer 12

• Paraesthesia
• Numbness
• Burning pain
• Loss of vibration sense and position sense
• Muscle wasting

Question 13

What are some symptoms of autonomic polyneuropathy?

Answer 13

• Constipation
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Orhtostatic hypotension
• Pale and dry skin with reduced sweating

Question 14

What are some potential features seen in hereditary polyneuropathy?

Answer 14

• Hammer toes
• High arches
• Scoliosis

Question 15

What should be assessed when taking a history and examination of a patient with polyneuropathy?

Answer 15

• Pattern of disease
• If symptoms fluctuate
• Deficits
• Any pain

Question 16

How is a diagnosis of polyneuropathy often made?

Answer 16

Clinically

Question 17

What investigations may be useful in diagnosing polyneuropathy?

Answer 17

• Electrodiagnostic testing
• Serum protein electrophoresis
• Nerve conduction testing
• Urinalysis
• Serum CK
• Antibody testing

Question 18

What are the differentials for polyneuropathy?

Answer 18

• Toxins
• Guillan-Barre Syndrome
• Lyme disease
• Hepatitis C
• Amyloidosis
• Acromegaly
• Kidney failure

Question 19

What does management of polyneuropathy depend on?

Answer 19

Underlying cause

Question 20

What general management is advised in polyneuropathy?

Answer 20

• Lose weight
• Use a walking aid
• Occupational therapy

Question 21

What are the potential complications of polyneuropathy?

Answer 21

• Disability
• Isolation
• Loss of independence
• Recurrent injuries
• Permanent joint destruction

Question 22

What causes the recurrent joint injury and destruction in polyneuropathy?

Answer 22

Loss of sensation

Question 23

What is the joint destruction in polyneuropathy called?

Answer 23

Charcot joint