polyneuropathy

pathology

Also known as: peripheral neuropathy

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Polyneuropathy is a disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. It can be genetic or acquired and may progress slowly or rapidly. This condition can impact motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, loss of sensation, weakness, paralysis, muscle atrophy, and disturbances in blood pressure, heart rate, or bladder and bowel control.1

Polyneuropathies can damage the nerve cell (neuron) itself or the myelin sheath that insulates it. Causes include diseases like diabetes mellitus, infections, injury, toxins, and vitamin deficiencies. Diseases of the peripheral nerves, also known as peripheral neuropathies or polyneuropathies, can result in flaccid muscle weakness and muscle wasting. Symptoms often begin in the hands and feet and progress towards the body.12

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alcoholism
Acute diseases
…alcoholism can also lead to polyneuropathy, a degenerative disease of the peripheral nerves with symptoms that include tenderness of calf muscles, diminished tendon reflexes, and loss of vibratory sensation. Inflammation and fatty infiltration of the liver are common, as are disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and, less…
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…alcoholism can also lead to polyneuropathy, a degenerative disease of the peripheral nerves with symptoms that include tenderness of calf muscles, diminished tendon reflexes, and loss of vibratory sensation. Inflammation and fatty infiltration of the liver are common, as are disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and, less…
Read More

muscle disease
Lower motor neuron disease
…peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathies, or polyneuropathies) can produce symptoms similar to the motor neuron diseases. Sensory disturbance due to involvement of the nerve fibres carrying sensory impulses is usually also involved. Symptoms usually begin in the hands and feet and progress toward the body. Peripheral neuropathies can cause degeneration of…
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…peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathies, or polyneuropathies) can produce symptoms similar to the motor neuron diseases. Sensory disturbance due to involvement of the nerve fibres carrying sensory impulses is usually also involved. Symptoms usually begin in the hands and feet and progress toward the body. Peripheral neuropathies can cause degeneration of…
Read More