What is polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy is a generalized degeneration of peripheral nerves that spreads toward the center of the body as it progresses. Polyneuropathy affects more than one nerve at a time.
Another name for polyneuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves control sensation and movement in the arms and legs, digestion, bladder function, blood pressure, and heart rate.
What causes polyneuropathy?
- Diabetes
- Alcohol abuse
- Autoimmune conditions
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Bone marrow disorders
- Exposure to toxins
- Hereditary disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
- Trauma or injury
Polyneuropathy may be idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Dr. Ata provides treatment options for all causes, known and unknown, to improve your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of polyneuropathy?
There is a wide variety of polyneuropathy symptoms, depending on the area and severity of nerve damage. These symptoms include:
- Sensations of tingling, numbness, or pins and needles
- Difficulty using arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Increased pain sensations or inability to feel pain
- Sleep problems due to pain at night
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Inability to sense temperature changes
- Lack of coordination
- Increased risk of falling or tripping
- Changes to skin, hair, and nails
- Muscle weakness and twitching
What are the risks of untreated polyneuropathy?
If left untreated, polyneuropathy leads to complications that include cuts and bruises from falls, burns, skin ulcers and infections, hair loss, and insomnia.
Long-term complications affect your bladder function, digestion, and blood pressure. If untreated polyneuropathy is combined with another medical condition, the results may be fatal.
How is polyneuropathy diagnosed?
At NeuroCare of Texas, Dr. Ata begins with a full medical history, physical examination, and neurological assessment. If more information is needed, an MRI, CT scan, electromyography, nerve conduction study, or biopsy is ordered.
Appropriate testing allows Dr. Ata to rule out other conditions, like disc herniation or tumors.
How is polyneuropathy treated?
Dr. Ata addresses polyneuropathy with a multistep approach to treat the underlying cause of your condition, improve any nutritional deficiencies, and relieve your symptoms.
Medications targeted at the cause of your polyneuropathy are used in conjunction with prescriptions or over-the-counter medications for pain relief.
As a neurophysiology specialist, Dr. Ata has the expertise to perform advanced procedures like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, plasma exchange, immune globulin therapy, and other types of physical therapy.
Don’t wait any longer to seek treatment for your polyneuropathy. Work with Dr. Ata to find the reason behind your discomfort so you can get back to your normal life. Call or click to schedule an appointment today.
