#polyneuropathy

[chronicallyjude]

Going to get blood drawn tomorrow morning to see if I need to start b12 shots and I'm dreading it so much. I don't need one more fucking thing to do.

[perunatie]

26, 31, 37. ❤️

26. What breed was the last dog you saw?

grosspitz! :~)

31 i answered but i can add that today im feeling specifically sad :(

37. What song are you listening to?

one more dance by r3hab </3

[drawittoknowitmedical]

NEUROPATHY

Affects ~ 20 million people in the US.

Classifications

Most common cause in the US is diabetic polyneuropathy (distal, symmetric, "dying-back neuropathy")

Polyneuropathy (if many nerves affected)

Mononeuropathy (single, isolated nerves)

Radiculopathy (nerve roots)

PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS

Muscle Stretch Reflexes

Absent/Reduced

In distal, symmetric polyneuropathy (most common form), ankle reflexes will be the first to be lost.

Sensation

Absent/Reduced

In distal, symmetric polyneuropathy (most common form), "there is a stocking-glove distribution pattern of sensory loss" with sensation being lost in toes, first.

Motor

Variable

In distal, symmetric polyneuropathy (most common form), since this is a "dying-back neuropathy", most common pattern of weakness is wasting/weakness at the ends of limbs (distally) that slowly works its way proximally: manifests first with changes in the feet and can lead to "neuropathic foot".

Prolonged, chronic neuropathy will lead to disuse atrophy.

Gait

Wide-based, unsteady

ETIOLOGIES

Physical injury

Metabolic and endocrine disorders

Vasculopathy

Autoimmune disease (chronic)

Autoimmune disease (acute)

Renal disease

Cancer

Neuromas

Viruses

Bacteria

Tick-borne infection

Toxins

Trauma

Repetitive injury (eg, carpal tunnel syndrome: mononeuropathy of median nerve, distally)

Diabetes mellitus

Hypothyroidism

Hepatopathy (liver disease)

Growth hormone abnormalities (ie, acromegaly)

Vasculitis

Small vessel ischemia from diabetes

Sjogren’s syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Rheumatoid arthritis

Guillain-Barré syndrome (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP))

AIDP with progression to CIDP

Lymphoma

Paraneoplastic-related neuropathy

Chemotherapies

Herpes varicella zoster (shingles)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Epstein-Barr virus

West Nile virus

Cytomegalovirus

Lyme disease

Diphtheria

Leprosy (key world-wide cause of neuropathy)

Virus or Bacteria

Medications (eg, certain chemotherapies, amiodarone, dapsone, thalidomide, INH, nitrofurantoin, hydralazine, etc...)

Environmental/Industrial (lead, mercury, and arsenic, insecticides, solvents)

Alcohol (chronic, heavy)

Recommended References:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet

https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Medications-that-Can-Cause-Peripheral-Neuropathy.pdf

[ileolai]

You know, the one upside of having almost no nerve sensation left in either of my hands, is that I could probably punch out dismissive asshole doctors and not even feel it

I can't believe it's taken me this long to figure out how to exploit this

[chronicallyjude]

The right side of my body keeps being really numb, mostly my face and hand. I'm not sure what my doctor can even do for me? We've done so much at this point to try and get a diagnosis it all just feels like a waste of energy and money.

[chronicallyjude]

My hands are finally working well enough I got to work on my knitting today and make cookies!

[drchristophedelongsblog]

Polyneuropathy: understanding peripheral nerve damage

What is polyneuropathy?

Polyneuropathy is a neurological condition characterised by damage to several peripheral nerves. These nerves, which connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body, are responsible for transmitting sensations and motor commands. When these nerves are damaged, it can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild tingling to complete paralysis.

What causes polyneuropathy?

The causes of polyneuropathy are many and varied. They include

- Diabetes: This is one of the most common causes of polyneuropathy.

- Vitamin deficiencies: In particular vitamins B1, B6 and B12.

- Autoimmune diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

- Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the nerves.

- Certain infections: Such as Lyme disease or HIV.

- Medicines: Some treatments can have neurotoxic side effects.

- Genetic diseases: Certain hereditary diseases can predispose to polyneuropathy.

- Poisoning: Exposure to certain toxic substances can damage the nerves.

What are the symptoms of polyneuropathy?

The symptoms of polyneuropathy vary depending on which nerves are affected and the underlying cause. The most common symptoms are

- Sensory disorders: tingling, pins and needles, burning, numbness, loss of feeling.

- Pain: Sharp, stabbing or burning pain.

- Muscle weakness: Difficulty walking, grasping objects.

- Problems with independence: Urinary or intestinal problems.

How is polyneuropathy diagnosed?

The diagnosis of polyneuropathy is based on :

- Clinical examination: The doctor asks the patient about their symptoms and carries out a neurological examination.

- Complementary examinations:

o Electromyogram (EMG): This examination assesses muscle and nerve function.

o Nerve conduction studies: These studies measure the speed of conduction of nerve signals.

o Nerve biopsy: In some cases, a small portion of nerve may be removed for microscopic examination.

o Blood tests: To look for underlying causes (diabetes, deficiencies, etc.).

What are the treatments?

Treatment for polyneuropathy aims to halt the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. Treatments may include

- Treatment of the underlying cause: For example, controlling diabetes or stopping alcohol consumption.

- Medication: To relieve pain, sensory disturbance and muscle weakness.

- Physiotherapy: To maintain muscle strength and mobility.

- Orthoses: To relieve pain and improve walking.

Go further and contact

[lesbitchin]

Happy birthday!

tysm!!!!!💗💘💖💖💕