BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSensorimotor polyneuropathyPolyneuropathy - sensorimotorSensorimotor polyneuropathy is a condition that causes a decreased ability to move and feel (sensation) because of nerve damage. Causes Neuropathy means a disease of, or damage to nerves. When it occurs outside of the central nervous system (CNS), that is, the brain and spinal cord, it is called a peripheral neuropathy. Mononeuropathy means one nerve is involved. Polyneuropathy means that many nerves in different parts of the body are involved.Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neuropathy can affect nerves that provide feeling (sensory neuropathy) or cause movement (motor neuropathy). It can also affect both, in which case it is called a sensorimotor neuropathy.Sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a bodywide (systemic) process that damages nerve cells, nerve fibers (axons), and nerve coverings (myelin sheath). Damage to the covering of the nerve cell causes nerve signals to slow or stop. Damage to the nerve fiber or entire nerve cell can make the nerve stop working. Some neuropathies develop over years, while others can start and get severe within hours to days.AxonsWhite matter is found in the deeper tissues of the brain (subcortical). It contains nerve fibers (axons), which are extensions of nerve cells (neuro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MyelinMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve damage can be caused by:Autoimmune (when the body attacks itself) disorders Conditions that put pressure on nerves Decreased blood flow to the nerve Diseases that destroy the glue (connective tissue) that holds cells and tissues together Swelling (inflammation) of the nerves Medical conditions including metabolic disorders ToxinsSome diseases lead to polyneuropathy that is mainly sensory or mainly motor. Possible causes of sensorimotor polyneuropathy include:Alcoholic neuropathy Alcoholic neuropathyAlcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Amyloid polyneuropathy Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome Cancer (called a paraneoplastic neuropathy) Long-term (chronic) inflammatory neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy Diabetic neuropathyNerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. This condition is a complication of diabetes.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic kidney disease Drug-related neuropathy, including chemotherapy Drug-related neuropathyNeuropathy is injury to one or more peripheral nerves. These are nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. Neuropathy secondary to drugs cau...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Guillain-Barré syndrome Guillain-Barré syndromeGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a serious health problem that occurs when the body's defense (immune) system mistakenly attacks part of the peripher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hereditary neuropathy HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low thyroid Parkinson disease Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vitamin deficiency (vitamins B12, B1, and E) Vitamins B12Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the bo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article B1Thiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Various infections Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Decreased feeling in any area of the body Difficulty swallowing or breathing Difficulty using the arms or hands Difficulty using the legs or feet Difficulty walking Difficulty walkingWalking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain, burning, tingling, or abnormal feeling in any area of the body (called neuralgia) NeuralgiaNeuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. Common neuralgias include:Posth...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weakness of the face, arms, or legs, or any area of the body Falls due to lack of balance and not feeling the ground under your feetSymptoms may develop quickly (as in Guillain-Barré syndrome) or slowly over weeks to years. Symptoms usually occur on both sides of the body. Most often, they start at the ends of the toes first. Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. An exam may show:Decreased feeling (may affect touch, pain, vibration, or position sensation) Diminished reflexes (most commonly the ankle) Muscle atrophy Muscle atrophyMuscle atrophy is the wasting (thinning) or loss of muscle tissue.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle twitches Muscle twitchesMuscle twitches are fine movements of a small area of muscle.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle weakness ParalysisParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests may include:Biopsy of the affected nerves BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood and urine tests Electrical test of the muscles (EMG) EMGElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electrical test of nerve conduction Nerve conductionNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article X-rays or other imaging tests, such as MRI Genetic testing Spinal fluid testing (lumbar puncture/spinal tap) Treatment Goals of treatment include:Finding the cause Controlling the symptoms Promoting a person's self-care and independenceDepending on the cause, treatment may include:Changing medicines, if they are causing the problem Controlling blood sugar level, when the neuropathy is from diabetes Not drinking alcohol Taking daily nutritional supplements Medicines to treat the underlying cause of the polyneuropathyPROMOTING SELF-CARE AND INDEPENDENCEExercises and retraining to maximize function of the damaged nerves Job (vocational) therapy Occupational therapy Orthopedic treatments Physical therapy Wheelchairs, braces, or splintsCONTROL OF SYMPTOMSSafety is important for people with neuropathy. Lack of muscle control and decreased sensation can increase the risk of falls or other injuries.If you have movement difficulties, these measures can help keep you safe:Leave lights on to avoid walking in the dark. Remove obstacles (such as loose rugs that may slip on the floor). Test water temperature before bathing. Use railings. Wear protective shoes (such as those with closed toes and low heels). Wear shoes that have non-slippery soles. Have a therapist assess your need for an assistive device such as a cane or walker.Other tips include:Check your feet (or other affected area) daily for bruises, open skin areas, or other injuries, which you may not notice that can become infected. Check the inside of shoes often for grit or rough spots that may injure your feet. Visit a foot doctor (podiatrist) to assess and reduce the risk of injury to your feet. Avoid leaning on your elbows, crossing your knees, or being in other positions that put prolonged pressure on certain body areas.Medicines used to treat the symptoms of this condition:Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers to reduce stabbing pain (neuralgia) Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or other medicines Lotions, creams, or medicated patchesOther treatments may be directed against your immune system to stop an autoimmune attack:Steroids and other immunosuppressants Plasma pheresis (plasma exchange) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)Use pain medicine only when necessary. Keeping your body in the proper position or keeping bed linens off a tender body part may help control pain. Support Groups These groups can provide more information about neuropathy.Neuropathy Action Foundation -- www.neuropathyaction.org The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy -- www.foundationforpn.org GBS CIDP Foundation International -- www.gbs-cidp.org/ Outlook (Prognosis) In some cases, you can fully recover from peripheral neuropathy if your provider can find the cause and successfully treat it, and if the damage does not affect the entire nerve cell.The amount of disability varies. Some people have no disability. Others have partial or complete loss of movement, function, or feeling. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and may last for a long time.In some cases, sensorimotor polyneuropathy causes severe, life-threatening symptoms. Possible Complications Problems that may result include:Deformity Injury to feet (caused by bad shoes or hot water when stepping into the bathtub) Numbness Pain Trouble walking Weakness Difficulty breathing or swallowing (in severe cases) Falls due to lack of balance When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have loss of movement or feeling in a part of your body. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling the symptoms.Open ReferencesReferencesCraig A. Neuropathies. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chap 41.Endrizzi SA, Rathmell JP, Hurley RW. Painful peripheral neuropathies. In: Benzon HT, Raja SN, Liu SS, Fishman SM, Cohen SP, eds. Essentials of Pain Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 32.Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Ralph JW, Aminoff MJ. Neuromuscular complications of general medical disorders. In: Aminoff MJ, Josephson SA, eds. Aminoff's Neurology and General Medicine. 6th ed. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 60.Smith AG, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 388.AllVideoImagesTogCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationNervous system - illustration The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.Nervous systemillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationNervous system - illustration The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.Nervous systemillustration Tests for Sensorimotor polyneuropathy Nerve conduction velocityElectromyographyRelated Information Peripheral neuropathy(Condition)Myelin(Special Topic)Acute(Special Topic)Chronic(Special Topic)Alcoholic neuropathy(Condition)Diabetes and nerve damage(Condition)Guillain-Barre syndrome(Condition)Neuropathy secondary to drugs(Condition) Review Date: 12/31/2023 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Sensorimotor polyneuropathyPolyneuropathy - sensorimotorSensorimotor polyneuropathy is a condition that causes a decreased ability to move and feel (sensation) because of nerve damage. Causes Neuropathy means a disease of, or damage to nerves. When it occurs outside of the central nervous system (CNS), that is, the brain and spinal cord, it is called a peripheral neuropathy. Mononeuropathy means one nerve is involved. Polyneuropathy means that many nerves in different parts of the body are involved.Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neuropathy can affect nerves that provide feeling (sensory neuropathy) or cause movement (motor neuropathy). It can also affect both, in which case it is called a sensorimotor neuropathy.Sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a bodywide (systemic) process that damages nerve cells, nerve fibers (axons), and nerve coverings (myelin sheath). Damage to the covering of the nerve cell causes nerve signals to slow or stop. Damage to the nerve fiber or entire nerve cell can make the nerve stop working. Some neuropathies develop over years, while others can start and get severe within hours to days.AxonsWhite matter is found in the deeper tissues of the brain (subcortical). It contains nerve fibers (axons), which are extensions of nerve cells (neuro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MyelinMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve damage can be caused by:Autoimmune (when the body attacks itself) disorders Conditions that put pressure on nerves Decreased blood flow to the nerve Diseases that destroy the glue (connective tissue) that holds cells and tissues together Swelling (inflammation) of the nerves Medical conditions including metabolic disorders ToxinsSome diseases lead to polyneuropathy that is mainly sensory or mainly motor. Possible causes of sensorimotor polyneuropathy include:Alcoholic neuropathy Alcoholic neuropathyAlcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Amyloid polyneuropathy Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome Cancer (called a paraneoplastic neuropathy) Long-term (chronic) inflammatory neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy Diabetic neuropathyNerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. This condition is a complication of diabetes.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic kidney disease Drug-related neuropathy, including chemotherapy Drug-related neuropathyNeuropathy is injury to one or more peripheral nerves. These are nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. Neuropathy secondary to drugs cau...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Guillain-Barré syndrome Guillain-Barré syndromeGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a serious health problem that occurs when the body's defense (immune) system mistakenly attacks part of the peripher...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hereditary neuropathy HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low thyroid Parkinson disease Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vitamin deficiency (vitamins B12, B1, and E) Vitamins B12Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the bo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article B1Thiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Various infections Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Decreased feeling in any area of the body Difficulty swallowing or breathing Difficulty using the arms or hands Difficulty using the legs or feet Difficulty walking Difficulty walkingWalking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain, burning, tingling, or abnormal feeling in any area of the body (called neuralgia) NeuralgiaNeuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. Common neuralgias include:Posth...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weakness of the face, arms, or legs, or any area of the body Falls due to lack of balance and not feeling the ground under your feetSymptoms may develop quickly (as in Guillain-Barré syndrome) or slowly over weeks to years. Symptoms usually occur on both sides of the body. Most often, they start at the ends of the toes first. Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. An exam may show:Decreased feeling (may affect touch, pain, vibration, or position sensation) Diminished reflexes (most commonly the ankle) Muscle atrophy Muscle atrophyMuscle atrophy is the wasting (thinning) or loss of muscle tissue.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle twitches Muscle twitchesMuscle twitches are fine movements of a small area of muscle.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle weakness ParalysisParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests may include:Biopsy of the affected nerves BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood and urine tests Electrical test of the muscles (EMG) EMGElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electrical test of nerve conduction Nerve conductionNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article X-rays or other imaging tests, such as MRI Genetic testing Spinal fluid testing (lumbar puncture/spinal tap) Treatment Goals of treatment include:Finding the cause Controlling the symptoms Promoting a person's self-care and independenceDepending on the cause, treatment may include:Changing medicines, if they are causing the problem Controlling blood sugar level, when the neuropathy is from diabetes Not drinking alcohol Taking daily nutritional supplements Medicines to treat the underlying cause of the polyneuropathyPROMOTING SELF-CARE AND INDEPENDENCEExercises and retraining to maximize function of the damaged nerves Job (vocational) therapy Occupational therapy Orthopedic treatments Physical therapy Wheelchairs, braces, or splintsCONTROL OF SYMPTOMSSafety is important for people with neuropathy. Lack of muscle control and decreased sensation can increase the risk of falls or other injuries.If you have movement difficulties, these measures can help keep you safe:Leave lights on to avoid walking in the dark. Remove obstacles (such as loose rugs that may slip on the floor). Test water temperature before bathing. Use railings. Wear protective shoes (such as those with closed toes and low heels). Wear shoes that have non-slippery soles. Have a therapist assess your need for an assistive device such as a cane or walker.Other tips include:Check your feet (or other affected area) daily for bruises, open skin areas, or other injuries, which you may not notice that can become infected. Check the inside of shoes often for grit or rough spots that may injure your feet. Visit a foot doctor (podiatrist) to assess and reduce the risk of injury to your feet. Avoid leaning on your elbows, crossing your knees, or being in other positions that put prolonged pressure on certain body areas.Medicines used to treat the symptoms of this condition:Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers to reduce stabbing pain (neuralgia) Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or other medicines Lotions, creams, or medicated patchesOther treatments may be directed against your immune system to stop an autoimmune attack:Steroids and other immunosuppressants Plasma pheresis (plasma exchange) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)Use pain medicine only when necessary. Keeping your body in the proper position or keeping bed linens off a tender body part may help control pain. Support Groups These groups can provide more information about neuropathy.Neuropathy Action Foundation -- www.neuropathyaction.org The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy -- www.foundationforpn.org GBS CIDP Foundation International -- www.gbs-cidp.org/ Outlook (Prognosis) In some cases, you can fully recover from peripheral neuropathy if your provider can find the cause and successfully treat it, and if the damage does not affect the entire nerve cell.The amount of disability varies. Some people have no disability. Others have partial or complete loss of movement, function, or feeling. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and may last for a long time.In some cases, sensorimotor polyneuropathy causes severe, life-threatening symptoms. Possible Complications Problems that may result include:Deformity Injury to feet (caused by bad shoes or hot water when stepping into the bathtub) Numbness Pain Trouble walking Weakness Difficulty breathing or swallowing (in severe cases) Falls due to lack of balance When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have loss of movement or feeling in a part of your body. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling the symptoms.Open ReferencesReferencesCraig A. Neuropathies. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chap 41.Endrizzi SA, Rathmell JP, Hurley RW. Painful peripheral neuropathies. In: Benzon HT, Raja SN, Liu SS, Fishman SM, Cohen SP, eds. Essentials of Pain Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 32.Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Ralph JW, Aminoff MJ. Neuromuscular complications of general medical disorders. In: Aminoff MJ, Josephson SA, eds. Aminoff's Neurology and General Medicine. 6th ed. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 60.Smith AG, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 388.