Other causes of polyneuropathy
Further causes of polyneuropathy can be metabolic diseases, heriditary noxic-toxic effects or borreliosis pathogens, as well as other infectious diseases. In developing countries, leprosy is a common cause of polyneuropathy in addition to the above-mentioned malnutrition. In our latitudes, if the cause of PNP is not known, HIV infection or a tumorous disease should also be clarified.
A not uncommon cause for a sometimes severe polyneuropathy is the so-called Critical Illness PNP (CIP). After long-term intensive medical care, e.g. with artificial respiration, a severe PNP can occur due to unclear circumstances. Patients can sometimes show complete quadriplegia (motor paralysis of arms and legs).
PNP is treated by physiotherapy, electrotherapy and other accompanying measures. A spontaneous but slow remission after completion of intensive care is common.
