Neurol. praxi. 2013;14(1):20-27

Polyneuropathy

doc.MUDr.Edvard Ehler, CSc.

Neurologická klinika PKN, a.s., a FZS Univerzity Pardubice

Polyneuropathy is a diffused or multiple systemic disorder of peripheral nerves. According to affected anatomic structure it is possible to

differentiate axonal, demyelinating and mixed lesions. According to the affected type of fibres there are motor, sensory, autonomic, and

combined lesions. In patient´s case history there are positive and negative signs and symptoms for all nerve fibre types. In clinical examination

there are important not only extent and severity of the disorder, but also presence of disturbances of other systems. Besides electrophysiological

investigations there is increasing importance of new possibilities in diagnostics of polyneuropathies – ultrasonography of peripheral

nerves, skin biopsy, autonomic functions tests. Causal therapy is possible only in some polyneuropathies (diabetes, toxic neuropathies,

autoimmune neuropathies). Symptomatic therapy – and especially neuropathic pain therapy – is part of therapy of most polyneuropathies.

Keywords: axonal and demyelinating lesions, motor and sensory neurography, needle EMG, skin biopsy, immunological therapy

Published: March 1, 2013  Show citation