What is peripheral polyneuropathy?
Overview. Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet.
What is the difference between CIDP and polyneuropathy?
CIDP is one cause of damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy). Polyneuropathy means several nerves are involved. CIDP often affects both sides of the body. CIDP is caused by an abnormal immune response.
Is polyneuropathy a disability?
Peripheral neuropathy may be considered a disability by the SSA if you the condition is likely to be present for at least 12 months when you are unable to work and you meet the medical requirements as described in the SSA’s Blue Book.
Can I work with peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy sufferers are often incapable of performing even sedentary work. Besides the fact that nerve damage can cause sitting for long periods of time to be very painful, the condition often affects fine motor skills, making it impossible to do many of the tasks required in sedentary jobs.
What does CIDP look like?
The most common symptoms of CIDP are weakness, numbness, and tingling in the legs, arms, fingers, and hands. Other symptoms include fatigue, pain, balance issues, and impairment of your ability to walk. Some people have described feeling as if there were an electrical storm in their arms or legs.
What are the different patterns of polyneuropathy?
There are three main patterns of polyneuropathy: Chronic symmetrical peripheral neuropathy: Most polyneuropathies are chronic and develop over many months. Multiple mononeuropathy: There is damage to at least two separate nerve areas. Acute symmetrical peripheral neuropathy: This is rare.
Is peripheral polyneuropathy progressive?
Most chronic forms of peripheral polyneuropathy are subtly progressive over many years. Slow, predictable decline can be accelerated by the development of new medical conditions that have neurological manifestations (e.g., multifactorial neuropathy), or exacerbated by various infections, surgeries, or illnesses.
What is the role of the neuromuscular physician in the treatment of polyneuropathy?
Having diagnosed peripheral polyneuropathy, the astute neuromuscular physician proceeds with a targeted etiologic investigation. The identification of etiology (ies) is paramount to guiding treatment, when available, rather than resigning immediately to palliative care strategies.
What are the diagnostic guidelines for polyneuropathy of unidentified cause?
A timely diagnosis of the cause of polyneuropathy is a prerequisite for the initiation of appropriate specific treatment. Patients with severe neuropathy of unidentified cause should be referred to a specialized center for a thorough diagnostic evaluation.