Polyneuropathy is a common disease of the nerves. It is caused by metabolic disorders such as diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption or hereditary factors. The nerves in the feet and hands are usually affected: Here, polyneuropathy causes symptoms such as tingling, numbness and signs of paralysis. The treatment of polyneuropathy is basically based on eliminating the causes.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for polyneuropathy.
Polyneuropathy is a very common disease of the nerves. The term "polyneuropathy" comes from the Greek and means "disease of many nerves".
The nerves in the feet and hands are usually affected. The disease manifests itself through
The neurologist then speaks of a "sensory accentuation". Paralysis can occur, even in the face. The stress is then motor.
If both limbs are affected by a polyneuropathy, the condition is symmetrical. This is often the case in the later stages. At the beginning, however, the symptoms may only occur in individual areas, for example in one forefoot or one of the two little fingers.
Common causes of polyneuropathy are
Chemotherapy and drugs can also cause side effects on the nerves. A precise analysis of the medication taken is necessary here in order to weigh up the benefits and risks.
Abstaining from alcohol is the first necessary measure, as alcohol is the second most common cause of polyneuropathy after diabetes. Here too, of course, the rule applies: "The dose makes the poison".
Hereditary causes of polyneuropathy can be narrowed down by blood and tissue tests.
Polyneuropathy often causes unsteadiness when standing and walking, especially in the dark. Those affected often confuse this feeling with dizziness. Patients are often referred to a neurologist for a dizziness assessment, who then discovers that they are actually suffering from polyneuropathy of the legs with impaired perception of the sense of position.
However, the nerves to the internal organs can also be involved in so-called autonomic polyneuropathy. Autonomic nerve fibers refer to nerves that are not subject to arbitrariness and work "on their own". Disorders of the autonomic nerve fibers affect
heartbeat.
If the heart loses its healthy rhythm, for example, there is a risk of sudden cardiac death.
The vegetative nerve fibers can be measured indirectly. The neurologist first examines the reflexes and vibration sensation using special instruments.
A weakening or even loss of reflexes is an alarm signal and prompts the neurologist to carry out further instrumental measurements. The speed of impulses within the nerve pathways can be checked using electrical and magnetic stimuli. These nerve conduction velocities are standardized according to age and size.
The nerve roots can also be diseased in polyneuropathy and cause pain similar to a herniated disc. Neurologists check the nerve roots with electrical stimulation and the transmission of so-called F-waves.
Blockages in the nerve pathways must be detected on the way from the spinal cord to the hands and feet from one section to the next.
In the early stages of polyneuropathy, patients do not notice any weakness in individual muscle fibers. The doctor therefore checks the strength of muscles with needles. Disorders should definitely be discovered before a stepper gait or a drop hand becomes visible even to the layperson.
A doctor checks the muscle reflexes when diagnosing polyneuropathy © Bernhard Schmerl | AdobeStock
The treatment of polyneuropathy is based on
High-frequency therapy is currently only offered in a few specialist medical centers. According to current studies, this therapy is 80 percent successful in the treatment of polyneuropathy, particularly in diabetics.
The patient perceives the high-frequency therapy as a deep massage of the muscles. It can be used daily without any side effects. The patient can later use the device at home after receiving instruction.
In addition to oral medication, another treatment option is ointments with a pepper-like active ingredient applied locally to the skin.
In individual cases, the specialist must decide together with the patient which therapy is appropriate, either individually or in combination. The provision of aids, e.g. orthoses, and remedies, e.g. physiotherapy and occupational therapy, should depend on the stage of the polyneuropathy.
Neurologists are the specialists for the treatment of polyneuropathy. If it can be identified, specialists in polyneuropathy always treat the underlying disease first. As autoimmune diseases can also damage the nerves, allergologists and vascular specialists may also need to be involved.
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