Polyneuropatiat

Polyneuropatiat, also known as polyneuropathy, is a syndrome in which several peripheral nerves are damaged. It commonly presents with a distal symmetric pattern—numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands—with later weakness and reduced reflexes. Autonomic involvement can cause lightheadedness, abnormal sweating, digestive problems, and bladder dysfunction. Polyneuropathy is a clinical appearance that can result from many underlying diseases rather than a single disorder.

Common causes include diabetes and other metabolic disorders, chronic alcohol use, nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B12), kidney failure, autoimmune or inflammatory neuropathies (such as CIDP), infections, exposure to neurotoxic drugs, and inherited neuropathies such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. The course can be acute, subacute, or chronic, and the pattern may be predominantly axonal or demyelinating.

Diagnosis relies on history, examination, and targeted tests. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography distinguish axonal from demyelinating processes. Blood tests screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, kidney and liver function, and inflammatory markers; genetic testing is used for suspected hereditary forms; lumbar puncture and CSF analysis may be helpful when an inflammatory neuropathy is suspected.

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause when possible and on symptom relief. Pain management commonly uses antidepressants (for example duloxetine or amitriptyline) and anticonvulsants (such as gabapentin or pregabalin). Other measures include physical and occupational therapy, assistive devices, and careful foot care. Prognosis varies with etiology and extent of nerve damage; some forms stabilize or improve with treatment, while others progress despite therapy.