what do u know about polyneuropathy?

Evaluation and classification of polyneuropathies begins with a history and physical exam in order to document what the pattern of the disease process is (arms, legs, distal, proximal, symmetric), when they started, how long they've lasted, if they fluctuate, and what deficits and pain are involved. If pain is a factor, and it often is, determining where and how long the pain has been present is important. The patient must be interviewed, and physical testing is often necessary to further delineate and document the pain. One also needs to know what disorders are already present within the family and what diseases the patient may currently have. This is vital in forming a differential diagnosis.

Although often diseases are suggested by the physical exam and history alone, testing is still a large part of the diagnosis. Tests which may be employed include: electrodiagnostic testing using electromyography, muscle biopsy, serum creatine kinase (CK), antibody testing. Nerve biopsy is not used much, but is helpful in determining small fiber neuropathy. Other tests may be used, especially tests for specific disorders associated with polyneuropathies

Any polyneuropathy is more likely to be CIDP. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculo neuropathy is an immune-mediated Polyneuropathy(inflammatory) that affects the nerves. The symptoms are a slowly progressive, numbness and tingling starts in the feet, and then involves legs and hands. Sufferer notices weakness in the legs, later in the arms. Some complain of inability to walk or maintain balance in the dark. There is frequently some spinal cord involvement. Occasionally, cranial nerves are involved, symptoms range from visual perception difficulties, double vision, numbness involving the face, hearing disorders. Cognitive skills are not affected by CIDP. Most people believe that their knee, ankles or hip joints are a problem. Muscle and spinal involvement is frequent in CIDP. Brain involvement in CIDP is misdiagnosed as MS.

Any polyneuropathy is more likely to be CIDP. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculo neuropathy is an immune-mediated Polyneuropathy(inflammatory) that affects the nerves. The symptoms are a slowly progressive, numbness and tingling starts in the feet, and then involves legs and hands. Sufferer notices weakness in the legs, later in the arms. Some complain of inability to walk or maintain balance in the dark. There is frequently some spinal cord involvement. Occasionally, cranial nerves are involved, symptoms range from visual perception difficulties, double vision, numbness involving the face, hearing disorders. Cognitive skills are not affected by CIDP. Most people believe that their knee, ankles or hip joints are a problem. Muscle and spinal involvement is frequent in CIDP. Brain involvement in CIDP is misdiagnosed as MS.

There is a large differential for polyneuropathies: vitamin deficiency, cancer, toxins, infections (ex. Guillain-Barré Syndrome), liver disease, endocrine disease (inc. diabetes with diabetic and pre-diabetic neuropathy), amyloidosis, genetic disorders, motor neuron disorders, motor neuropathies, kidney failure[1],paraneoplastic, polio, porphyria (some types), spinal muscular atrophy, catecholamine disorders, and many others. This is not a complete list

These disorders are often symmetric and frequently involve distal extremities erve biopsy is not used much, but is helpful in determining small fiber neuropathy Nerve, nerve root, plexus Cranial nerve disease V (Trigeminal neuralgia) · VII (Facial nerve paralysis, Bell's palsy, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, Central seven) · XI (Accessory nerve disorder) Radiculopathy, plexopathy Brachial plexus lesion · Thoracic outlet syndrome · Phantom limb Mono- neuropathy upper limb (Carpal tunnel syndrome, Ulnar nerve entrapment, Radial neuropathy) lower limb (Meralgia paraesthetica, Tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton's neuroma) Causalgia · Mononeuritis multiplex

Wow, you really do learn something every day! And in this case its a fair bit of information.... Might have to shift some old memories even deeper to make room for all this! thanks ;O)