ABSTRACT
Polyneuropathy Polyneuropathy is the simultaneous damage or destruction of many peripheral nerves throughout the body. It may develop acutely or gradually depending on the cause. It is usually a diffuse symmetrical disease of the peripheral nerves affecting the distal parts of the limbs classically in the ‘glove and stocking’ distribution. Often in polyneuropathies the legs are affected before the hands. The sensory loss may progressively extend proximally from the extremities. Polyneuropathies can involve motor, sensory and autonomic function. Symptoms depend on the nerves affected and include pain, paraesthesiae or numbness in the glove and stocking distribution as well as weakness of distal muscles, unsteadiness of feet and lower motor neurone signs. There may be autonomic features such as arrhythmias, postural hypotension, constipation, diarrhoea, impaired pupillary responses, impotence, urinary retention and diminished sweating.
