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Polyneuropathy : Causes and Treatment Care
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sridhar Balaga , Neurologist
Polyneuropathy is a condition that damages many nerves in the body, often starting in the hands and feet. Caused by diabetes, infections, or other health problems. People may first notice symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
What is Polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy happens when the nerves are damaged and cannot send signals properly between the brain and the rest of the body. This can affect how you feel, move, or even how your body works. Starting slowly it will even get worse if not treated well.
Some people may also feel
- Muscle cramps or
- Lose balance while walking.
What Are the Different Types of Polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy is mainly divided into two types: acute and chronic. These types are based on how quickly the symptoms appear and how long they last.
Acute Polyneuropathy
Acute polyneuropathy comes on suddenly and causes fast and severe symptoms. It often happens after an infection or when the immune system attacks the nerves by mistake.
A common example is Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can be serious but is often treatable with early care.
Chronic Polyneuropathy
Chronic polyneuropathy develops slowly over time and lasts for months or even years. It is usually linked to long-term health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, or vitamin deficiencies.
In some cases, the exact cause may not be found. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and controlling the underlying condition.
Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP)
Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare nerve problem that runs in families. It happens when a protein called amyloid builds up in the nerves and other parts of the body. This buildup damages the nerves, especially in the hands, feet, and legs.
People with FAP may feel numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness. It usually starts in adulthood and slowly gets worse over time. Since it is passed from parents to children, family history is an important clue.
Axonal vs. Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Axonal polyneuropathy directly damages nerves, and demyelinating polyneuropathy affects the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibres. You need to know what type of treatment is needed to-get the right treatment.
What Causes Polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy happens when many nerves in the body become damaged, especially in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. This can be due to an illness, or even passed through family genes. Understanding what causes it and what increases your risk can help you take early steps to manage or prevent it.
Polyneuropathy can happen due to many reasons. Here are the most common causes:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels damage nerves
- Vitamin Deficiency: Especially low Vitamin B12, B1, or Folate
- Alcohol Overuse: Drinking too much can harm nerves over time
- Kidney Problems: Waste buildup in the body affects the nerves
- Infections: Like HIV, Hepatitis C, or Lyme disease
- Low Thyroid Levels (Hypothyroidism): Slows down nerve function
- Autoimmune Conditions: The body attacks its own nerves (e.g., Guillain-Barre)
- Certain Medicines: Such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, or seizure drugs
- Toxins or Chemicals: Like heavy metals or pesticides
- Inherited Nerve Conditions: Passed through family, like FAP or Charcot-Marie-Tooth
- Cancer: Some cancers or treatments can damage nerves
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionWhat Are the Polyneuropathy Symptoms?
Polyneuropathy can affect many nerves at once, so mild symptoms may start and get worse over time. Knowing the early signs helps with faster treatment and better results.
Common Symptoms of Polyneuropathy
These are the early or mild signs you may notice first:
- Tingling or pins and needles feeling in hands or feet
- Numbness or reduced feeling in arms or legs
- Burning or sharp pain in feet, especially at night
- Weakness in legs or hands
- Feeling like you're wearing gloves or socks when you're not
- Difficulty walking or keeping balance
- Muscle cramps or twitching
Severe or Advanced Symptoms
These signs mean the nerve damage is more serious:
- Trouble using hands for small tasks (buttoning, writing)
- Falling often due to poor balance
- Loss of muscle strength over time
- Lightheadedness when standing (due to blood pressure drop)
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
- Slow wound healing in feet or toes
How Is Polyneuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing polyneuropathy involves checking your symptoms, medical history, and running some simple but important tests. The goal is to find out how your nerves are affected and what's causing the damage.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis Process
Medical History and Physical Exam
- Your doctor will ask about symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain
- They'll check your reflexes, muscle strength, and how you walk and balance
Neurological Examination
- Tests to check how your nerves respond to touch, vibration, and temperature
- Examining coordination and muscle movement
Key Diagnostic Tests
- Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Measures how fast and strong nerve signals travel
- Electromyography (EMG): Checks how muscles respond to nerve signals
- Blood Tests: To detect diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid issues, or infections
- Skin or Nerve Biopsy: Rarely done, used to check the type of nerve damage
- MRI Scan: Helps rule out nerve compression or spinal issues
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Checks fluid around the brain and spine in certain cases
Diagnosis at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, our Neurology Department offers:
- Advanced nerve testing tools (EMG, NCS)
- Full-body blood screening
- Access to top neurologists and nerve care specialists
- Personalized evaluations to detect both common and rare nerve disorders
Identifying the root cause of nerve damage early so you get the right treatment faster.
When Should You Get Tested?
Consult a doctor if you notice:
- Tingling or burning in hands or feet
- Sudden weakness or balance issues
- Persistent numbness or pain
- Worsening symptoms over time
Early diagnosis of polyneuropathy can help to prevent further nerve damage
What Are the Treatment Options for Polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy has no complete cure, but with the right care, symptoms can be controlled, nerve damage can be slowed, and quality of life can improve. Treatment depends on what's causing it and how severe the symptoms are.
Medications for Pain and Nerve Health
- Pain relievers: Mild cases may improve with OTC medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antiseizure drugs: Medicines like gabapentin or pregabalin reduce nerve pain
- Antidepressants: Medicines like amitriptyline or duloxetine help with long-term pain and mood
- Topical creams: Capsaicin or lidocaine patches ease burning or tingling in specific areas
- Nerve blocks: Injections given around nerves to block pain signals (used in severe pain cases)
Treating the Underlying Cause
- Diabetic neuropathy: Strict blood sugar control is key
- Autoimmune neuropathy: Treated using immunotherapy, steroids, or plasmapheresis
- Vitamin deficiency: Treated with B12 or folic acid supplements
- Toxin-related neuropathy: Stop alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful exposure
Therapies for Support and Recovery
- Physical therapy: Improves strength, balance, and walking ability
- Occupational therapy: Helps you manage daily tasks safely
- Braces and mobility aids: Devices like ankle braces, canes, or walkers improve mobility
- Alternative therapies: Some patients benefit from acupuncture, massage, or yoga
Advanced and Surgical Treatments
- TENS therapy: Uses gentle electrical signals to block pain
- IVIG therapy: For autoimmune-related polyneuropathy (boosts immune regulation)
- Plasmapheresis: Removes harmful antibodies from the blood
- Surgery: Done rarely helps if nerve compression is causing symptoms
Recovery Timeline and Care Plan
- Mild cases: Relief in a few weeks to months with medication and lifestyle changes
- Moderate to severe cases: May need ongoing therapy and regular check-ups for better nerve control
Our neurologists at Medicover Hospitals will guide you through every phase with custom plans based on your nerve condition.
When to See a Polyneuropathy Doctor?
If you've been feeling constant numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, feet, or legs, it could be more than just tired nerves. These are early warning signs of polyneuropathy.
Getting timely medical help is the key to managing symptoms and stopping further nerve damage.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Polyneuropathy Doctors Today
How Long Should You Wait Before Seeing a Doctor?
You should consult a neurologist if any of the following symptoms:
- Last more than 7 to 10 days
- Are worsening over time
- Are interfering with daily tasks like walking, writing, or balance
What is the Recovery Process After Polyneuropathy Treatment?
Recovering from polyneuropathy takes time, patience, and proper care. While there's no instant cure, many patients experience relief from pain, better movement, and improved quality of life with the right treatment and follow-up care.
Here's what to expect after starting treatment.
Follow-Up and Recovery Timeline
After treatment begins, your doctor will schedule regular follow-ups to track your progress and adjust your care plan:
- First 1-2 Weeks: Monitoring medication side effects and pain levels
- Every Month (First 3 Months): Checking nerve function, walking ability, and strength
- Quarterly Checkups: Ongoing nerve assessments, physical therapy updates
- Yearly Reviews: Long-term nerve health and lifestyle management
These follow-ups help ensure the treatment is working and no new symptoms are developing.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy is not always preventable, but taking the right precautions can lower your risk and delay its progress.
It's especially important for people with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or those at risk due to lifestyle or occupational factors.
Making small, healthy changes in your daily routine can protect your nerves and improve overall health. Here's what doctors at Medicover recommend:
Polyneuropathy Precautions
Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Eat foods rich in Vitamin B1, B6, B12, and Vitamin E
- Include leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, dairy, nuts, and fish
- Avoid processed foods and sugar-heavy meals
These nutrients protect and repair nerve fibers
Control Diabetes and Blood Sugar
- Monitor blood sugar regularly
- Take diabetes medication as prescribed
- Eat low-sugar, high-fiber foods
Uncontrolled diabetes is a major cause of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking
- Cut down or stop alcohol to avoid nerve toxicity
- Quit smoking to improve blood flow to nerves
Alcohol and tobacco damage nerves and delay healing
Stay Physically Active
- Try daily brisk walking, yoga, or light exercise
- Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and circulation
Good circulation keeps nerves oxygen-rich and healthy
Get Regular Health Check-ups
- Check vitamin levels, especially B12
- Screen for thyroid, kidney, or autoimmune issues
- Early diagnosis of infections or deficiencies can prevent complications
Routine check-ups catch problems before they affect your nerves
Avoid Exposure to Toxins
- Wear safety gear if working with chemicals, paints, or heavy metals
- Inform your doctor about medications that may affect nerves
Certain toxins and drugs can slowly damage nerves over time
Polyneuropathy Complications If Not Treated?
Ignoring nerve-related symptoms can lead to serious complications:
- Chronic pain and burning sensations
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Balance problems and frequent falls
- Permanent nerve damage
- Foot ulcers and infections, especially in diabetics
In advanced cases, patients may lose their ability to walk or perform daily tasks without help.
Our Experience in Treating Polyneuropathy
At Medicover, we care deeply for people living with polyneuropathy. We understand how hard it can be to deal with constant pain, weakness, or numbness. That's why our doctors, therapists, and nurses work together to give you the best care possible.
We use advanced tests to find the real cause and give treatments that are made just for you. From medicines to physical therapy and lifestyle support, we are with you every step of the way.
Our goal is simple to reduce your pain, improve your strength, and help you live a better, more active life.
At Medicover, you are not alone. We treat you like family with kindness, care, and hope.
