Treatment of polyneuropathy

Tingling, burning, decreased sensitivity, or weakness in the arms or legs may be the first manifestations of a peripheral nervous system disease. If such symptoms recur and gradually intensify, it is important to consult a doctor as early as possible.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, you can undergo comprehensive diagnostics and receive an individual treatment plan. Make an appointment with a neurologist to establish the cause of the symptoms and begin treatment in a timely manner.

Polyneuropathy — is a disease of the peripheral nervous system in which several peripheral nerves are affected simultaneously. Because of this, the transmission of nerve impulses between the brain and spinal cord and different parts of the body is disrupted.

Polyneuropathy can develop gradually or rapidly — depending on the cause of the disease. In most cases, the nerves of the hands and feet are affected first, since the longest nerve fibers are the most vulnerable.

According to NCBI Bookshelf, polyneuropathy is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system. That is why during the examination it is important not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to establish the cause of the development of the disease.

Polyneuropathy can develop for various reasons. Most often, it occurs not as an independent disease, but as a complication of other diseases or a consequence of the influence of certain factors.

The most common causes of polyneuropathy are:

• diabetes mellitus;
• vitamin deficiency, primarily of group B;
• alcohol abuse;
• autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis;
• some infections;
• exposure to toxic substances or certain medicinal products;
• hereditary predisposition.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: sometimes patients associate the appearance of symptoms with severe stress or believe that psychosomatics is their cause. However, to date, there is no evidence that psychosomatic factors can cause polyneuropathy. This disease is associated with organic damage to the peripheral nerves, so it requires comprehensive diagnostics.

Polyneuropathy can differ not only in the cause of its development but also in the speed at which symptoms appear.

According to the course, the following forms are distinguished:

• acute — symptoms develop over several days;
• subacute — manifestations gradually increase over several weeks;
• chronic — the disease develops slowly, and symptoms may intensify over months or years.

Also, in clinical practice, a classification of polyneuropathy according to the cause of development is used.

Determining the type of polyneuropathy helps the doctor choose the most effective treatment strategy.

Most often, doctors diagnose polyneuropathy of the lower extremities. It is polyneuropathy of the legs that most often becomes the reason for consulting a doctor, as the first manifestations of the disease usually occur in the feet and lower legs. This is due to the fact that the longest peripheral nerves are more vulnerable to damage. Over time, the symptoms may spread higher, and in some cases — also appear in the arms.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend not waiting until the symptoms become more pronounced. The earlier the diagnosis is established and treatment is started, the higher the chances of slowing the progression of the disease and preserving quality of life.

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a neurologist. During the appointment, the doctor clarifies when the first symptoms appeared, how they changed over time, whether there are concomitant diseases, and which medicinal products the patient takes.

After the interview, the doctor conducts a neurological examination, during which they assess sensitivity, muscle strength, reflexes, coordination of movements, and other indicators of peripheral nervous system function.

If necessary, additional examinations may be prescribed:

• laboratory blood tests to identify possible causes of the disease;
• electroneuromyography (ENMG) to assess the function of peripheral nerves;
• MRI, if it is necessary to rule out osteochondrosis, spinal cord diseases, or other pathologies that may be accompanied by similar symptoms.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: polyneuropathy can develop for various reasons, so one examination is often insufficient. To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor evaluates the results of the examination, laboratory tests, and instrumental studies as a whole.

According to European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the treatment of polyneuropathy should primarily be aimed at eliminating or controlling the cause of the disease. The earlier therapy is started, the greater the chances of slowing the progression of the disease and reducing the severity of symptoms.

The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain and other unpleasant symptoms, improve sensitivity and muscle strength, as well as prevent further damage to the peripheral nerves.

Depending on the clinical situation, the following may be used:

• medication therapy — the use of medications to reduce pain, improve nerve conduction, and treat the underlying disease;
• therapeutic exercise — special exercises to maintain muscle strength, coordination, and mobility;
• physiotherapy — when indicated, to support the restoration of nerve and muscle function.

The doctor develops the polyneuropathy treatment protocol after establishing the cause of the disease. The duration of treatment is individual: in some patients, well-being improves after just a few weeks, while in others, therapy and rehabilitation may last several months. This depends on the cause of polyneuropathy, the degree of nerve damage, and how quickly the body responds to treatment.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend not interrupting treatment on your own, even if the symptoms have become less pronounced. Following the doctor’s recommendations helps achieve a better result and reduce the risk of disease progression.

The cost of treatment depends on the cause of the disease, the required scope of diagnostics, and the individual therapy plan. During the consultation, the doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe additional examinations if necessary, and explain the further therapy plan.

At the private clinic «Oxford Medical», a full range of medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system diseases is available. Current prices for doctors’ consultations can be viewed here or clarified with the administrators when making an appointment.

To make an appointment for a consultation, use the online appointment form on the website or call the contact center. The doctor will help establish the cause of the symptoms and select treatment in accordance with your health condition.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• European Academy of Neurology
• NCBI Bookshelf
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke