Polyneuropathy is a condition that damages multiple nerves simultaneously. It typically begins in the extremities, like the hands and feet, before gradually spreading upwards, often symmetrically on both sides of the body. The disease can affect various areas of the peripheral nervous system or the cranial nerves.

Dr. Do Thi Thu Hang, from the Department of Neurology at Tam Anh General Hospital's Neuroscience Center in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that the peripheral nervous system acts like an "electrical wiring network," transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain and the entire body. When this system is damaged, its transmission function is disrupted. Patients gradually lose the ability to perform everyday activities like walking and grasping, and they may experience muscle atrophy if not treated promptly and correctly.

The earliest and most typical symptom of polyneuropathy is numbness. Patients often feel a pins-and-needles sensation or tingling in their hands or feet, especially during rest. This sensation is initially subtle and easily overlooked. Over time, the numbness gradually spreads up the forearms, lower legs, thighs, and shoulders. It can persist for days or months without relief, even with rest or massage.

In many cases, a burning sensation develops in the soles of the feet, as if walking on hot coals, accompanied by stabbing pain or electric shocks. According to Dr. Hang, these nerve pains are often more intense at night, causing sleep disturbances and potentially being mistaken for musculoskeletal or muscle pain.

Some patients may experience weakness in their hands, making it difficult to grip a glass of water or open a bottle cap. They may also have difficulty walking or lifting their feet while stepping. Another sign is "foot drop," where patients drag one foot while walking, increasing the risk of falls. Without timely treatment, the muscle weakness can spread, impacting the ability to perform self-care, work, and daily activities. In more severe cases, patients may lose sensation to pain, heat, and cold, like not feeling a burn from touching boiling water or pain from scratches or bumps. They may also lose proprioception (awareness of body position), leading to balance issues while walking.

Dr. Thu Hang is performing electromyography, assessing nerve-muscle conduction function, to diagnose polyneuropathy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Thu Hang is performing electromyography, assessing nerve-muscle conduction function, to diagnose polyneuropathy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Some individuals may experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction, dry skin, changes in skin pigmentation in the extremities, abnormal sweating, a sharp drop in blood pressure upon standing, digestive disorders, or urinary incontinence. If not correctly identified, these symptoms can easily be missed or misdiagnosed as other medical conditions.

Polyneuropathy can stem from various causes, including complications of diabetes, vitamin B deficiency (especially B12), infections, autoimmune diseases, prolonged medication or alcohol use, or genetic factors. Malignant conditions like cancer, lymphoma, or rare neurological disorders such as amyloidosis also increase the risk.

Dr. Hang advises those experiencing persistent numbness, nerve pain, muscle weakness, or abnormal gait to seek consultation at the neurology department of reputable medical facilities for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

For an accurate diagnosis, doctors may conduct electromyography (EMG) to pinpoint the extent and location of nerve damage and differentiate the specific type of polyneuropathy to guide appropriate treatment. Blood tests to identify underlying causes (blood sugar, liver and kidney function, vitamin levels, immunology, etc.), MRI scans, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis may also be recommended.

Phuong Thy