Critical Illness Polyneuropathy | Physiotherapy for polyneuropathy

Critical Illness Polyneuropathy

Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP) is a disease of the peripheral nervous system that occurs mostly as a result of severe trauma and as a consequence of artificial respiration.More than half of the patients with multiple organ failure and requiring ventilation for more than 2 weeks develop symptoms. The exact cause of CIP is not known, but if patients are treated as early as possible and appropriate therapy is initiated, most of them regain motor skills after a few months. The basic building block for this is a consistent and well-organized physiotherapeutic treatment plan.

The diagnosis of Critical Illness Polyneuropathy is based on the symptoms and an electromyogram (EMG), which shows axonal nerve damage. The severity of the polyneuropathy can then be determined on the basis of a neuropathy deficit score, which classifies the disease into different degrees of severity.

• Muscular atrophy (reduction of muscle mass)
• Symmetrical paresis (muscle loss) starting from the lower extremities and in severe cases also in the face and upper extremities
• Symptoms of paralysis
• An increased risk of decubitus

Alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse can also lead to the development of polyneuropathy. Alcohol is known to be a nerve poison and can therefore also cause damage to these. Typical for a neuropathy caused by alcohol abuse is that it mostly occurs in the lower extremities.

The first signs of this can be numbness, tingling or a burning sensation. Those affected can sometimes have a changed gait pattern or a feeling of weakness in the legs. If the polyneuropathy caused by alcohol abuse is treated in time and a consistent treatment plan is followed, most patients have a good chance of complete rehabilitation. In more severe cases, however, the clinical picture can also become chronic.

Summary

All in all, physiotherapy in polyneuropathy plays a decisive role in the symptomatic treatment and in preventing the progression of the disease. Patients should work closely with doctors and physiotherapists to develop an optimal training plan, which is then consistently implemented.