polyneuropathy
Multiple nerve damage
Polyneuropathy is damage or disease affecting multiple peripheral nerves, typically causing weakness, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.
The condition often progresses symmetrically, moving from extremities toward the body's center.
Diabetes is the most common cause; others include alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications.
The doctor diagnosed diabetic polyneuropathy after examining her tingling feet.
Loss of sensation
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- burningCombustion in progress
- weaknessDeficiency in force
- paresthesiaAbnormal skin sensation
sensory loss · foot drop · muscle atrophy · muscle wasting · loss of coordination · cramping · muscle cramps
Nerve sheath degradation
- neuritisInflamed neural tissue disorder
- electromyographyMuscle electrical activity measurement
- neurotoxicityHarmful effects on nerves
- sensorimotorRelating sensation to movement
Metabolic disorder affecting glucose
- alcoholismAddiction to drinking
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
- vitamin deficiencyInsufficient essential micronutrients
- autoimmuneBody attacks itself
amyloidosis · hypothyroidism · uremia · HIV · leprosy · Lyme disease · sarcoidosis · porphyria
Combustion in progress
- stabbingWounding with a blade
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- pricklingSharp tingling sensation
- neuralgiaSharp pain from irritated nerves
throbbing · sharp · gnawing · lancinating · sensitivity · amitriptyline · capsaicin
Favoring reform and innovation
- irreversibleCannot be undone
- long-termLasting extended period
- relapsingReturning to worse state
- lifelongLasting entire existence
management · stabilization · monitoring · flare-ups · remission · adaptation · quality of life · disability
Drugs reducing body defenses
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- nerve blockInjection numbing specific area
- orthoticsWearable alignment devices
pain management · neurologist · rehabilitation · vitamin supplementation · immunotherapy · assistive devices · balance training
Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Inherited motor-sensory neuropathy
numbness
Loss of sensation
paresthesia · sensory loss · foot drop · muscle atrophy · muscle wasting · loss of coordination · cramping · muscle cramps
demyelination
Nerve sheath degradation
- neuritisInflamed neural tissue disorder
- electromyographyMuscle electrical activity measurement
- neurotoxicityHarmful effects on nerves
diabetes
Metabolic disorder affecting glucose
- alcoholismAddiction to drinking
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
- vitamin deficiencyInsufficient essential micronutrients
autoimmune · amyloidosis · hypothyroidism · uremia · HIV · leprosy · Lyme disease · sarcoidosis · porphyria · B12 deficiency
burning
Combustion in progress
neuralgia · throbbing · sharp · gnawing · lancinating · sensitivity · amitriptyline · capsaicin
progressive
Favoring reform and innovation
- irreversibleCannot be undone
- long-termLasting extended period
- relapsingReturning to worse state
lifelong · management · stabilization · monitoring · flare-ups · remission · adaptation · quality of life · disability · prognosis
immunosuppressants
Drugs reducing body defenses
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- nerve blockInjection numbing specific area
orthotics · pain management · neurologist · rehabilitation · vitamin supplementation · immunotherapy · assistive devices · balance training