Polyneuropathy

Question 1

Etiology

Answer 1

wide range of factors (more than 100 distinct factors/disease)

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

• diabetes
• renal failure
• alcohol abuse
• systemic autoimmune disease
• autoimmune disease - nerve
• nutritional imbalance
• Hereditary (Charcot Marie Tooth)
• Infections
• Certain cancers
• Medications
• Toxins
• Idiopathic (approx 25%)

Question 3

Segmental Demyelination

Answer 3

• disease process primarily impacts myelin
• if the disease process can be treated; remyelination can occur

Question 4

Axonal Degeneration

Answer 4

• disease impacts axons to a greater degree than myelin and progresses distal to proximal resulting in “dying back” of nerves

Question 5

most polyneuropathic conditions impact…

Answer 5

both myelin and axons and are more chronic in nature

Question 6

Acute and rapidly progressing poly neuropathic conditions are typically related to..

Answer 6

toxins or autoimmune conditions