Der Internist
-
The peripheral nervous system is subject to changes during the aging process, e.g., deep tendon reflexes decrease, as proprioception does. In contrast, polyneuropathies have to be distinguished from age-associated changes as independent diseases with etiologies similar to those in younger ages. Incidence of polyneuropathies is reported about 118/100,000, the overall prevalence in the general population is estimated to be about 1% and rises to up to 7% in the elderly. ⋯ It is essential to try to identify the underlying cause by a systematic approach including history, clinical investigation, neurophysiological and lab exams. Treatment of polyneuropathies is based on therapy of underlying conditions and requires management of neuropathic pain in the majority of cases. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation target pain relief and sustaining activities of daily living.
-
The diagnosis of polyneuropathy (PNP) is based on the anamnesis and description of complaints of the patient and clinical findings. The type of distribution as well as known diseases and drug toxic factors can provide indications. Electromyography and electroneurography can be used to differentiate between axonal and demyelinating PNP. ⋯ Depending on the neuropathy and context, the diagnostic approach is structured differently. The special diagnostics for small fiber neuropathy and amyloid neuropathy as well as for diabetes and alcohol abuse are dealt with in detail in this article. Numerous cases of polyneuropathy remain unexplained and regularly have a favourable prognosis.
-
Approximately one of three people with diabetes is affected by distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) which is associated with marked impairment in quality of life due to partly excruciating neuropathic pain on the one hand and painless foot ulcers on the other hand. The prevalence of painful DSPN may reach up to one quarter of patients with diabetes, while DSPN may be asymptomatic in up to half of the patients affected. ⋯ The management of DSPN includes three cornerstones: (1) lifestyle modification, causal treatment aimed at near-normoglycemia and multifactorial cardiovascular risk intervention, (2) pathogenesis-derived treatment and (3) symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain. Multimodal pain treatment should not only aim at pain relief, but also allow for improvement in quality of sleep, mobility, and general quality of life.
-
A 32-year-old woman with maple syrup urine disease presented with recurring episodes with hypoglycaemia and cerebral seizures. In most cases a connection to the inborn metabolic disorder is assumed, resulting in symptomatic treatment. Due to these treatments invasive procedures are required. ⋯ After 2 years of unexplained symptoms a routine examination led to the diagnosis of factitious disorder. The patient received the offer for psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment. Further prognosis remains uncertain.