The causes of polyneuropathy can be manifold. Ultimately, damage to the peripheral nerves results in loss of sensation, tingling paresthesia or even paralysis. In Germany and other western countries, polyneuropathy (PNP) is most frequently triggered by diabetes mellitus and excessive alcohol consumption.
Other causes can be poisoning with heavy metals, solvents or medication. Inflammatory diseases or infections (borreliosis, diphtheria, HIV) can also lead to PNP. There are also hereditary forms of polyneuropathy (hereditary motor-senisble neuropathy). In rare cases, pregnancy can also trigger PNP.
Diabetes as a cause of polyneuropathy
The metabolic disease diabetes mellitus can cause increased blood sugar levels if the medication is poorly adjusted. This sugar changes the blood composition and can cause damage, especially in small vessels. Nerve tissue reacts very sensitively to malnutrition and is dependent on continuous blood flow.
If the diabetes leads to circulatory disorders, the peripheral nerves can be permanently damaged. Polyneuropathy develops. In most cases, this occurs initially as a result of sensory deficits in the distal extremities (furthest away from the center of the body), since the blood circulation is usually worse there than in the middle of the body anyway.
The feet and toes may experience tingling and numbness. This is especially disturbing when walking (“one walks as if on raw eggs”), but also small injuries, e.g. during foot care, are no longer noticed. Since the healing of wounds can also be disturbed in diabetes, this is a serious problem, which is why many diabetes patients go to a medical pedicure to prevent possible injuries. In addition to the classic sensations of polyneuropathy, diabetic polyneuropathy can also cause symptoms such as “burning feet” or “restless legs”.
Alcohol abuse as a cause of polyneuropathy
Alcohol is a toxic cell poison, which is harmful to all cells in the body and therefore also manifests itself in the area of the peripheral nerves. Cells are damaged by alcohol. Nerve tissue is very sensitive and suffers particularly from it.
This can lead to the destruction of peripheral nerves and to polyneuropathy. In addition, alcoholics often suffer from malnutrition, which is accompanied by insufficient intake of minerals, vitamins and trace elements, but also proteins. This can also cause nerves to suffer.
In the beginning there is sensation of discomfort, especially in the feet, and in some cases burning pain or cramps in the calves. The damage rarely affects the hands. In addition to sensitivity, the motor function can also be affected. In addition, the patient’s sense of position suffers, which is partly responsible for the wide, unsteady gait pattern typical of alcoholics.
