Sensorimotor polyneuropathy

Alternative names:

polyneuropathy - sensorimotor

Symptoms:

• weakness of any area of the body
• facial weakness
• weakness of the arms or legs
• difficulty walking
• difficulty using the arms or hands (legs or feet are typically affected first)
• difficulty swallowing
• voice changes, hoarseness or weak voice
• decreased sensation of the arms or hands
• decreased sensation of any area of the body
• pain, burning, tingling, abnormal sensation of any area
• numbness, loss of sensation of distal extremities

Note: The symptoms may develop gradually (over weeks to years) and usually occur on both sides of the body and progress from distal (far) areas to proximal (central) portions of the body.

Signs and tests:

A neuromuscular examination shows sensory and movement abnormalities. There is a slowly progressive pattern to the history of weakness or sensation changes. Sensation deficits usually occur in a symmetrical pattern and progress from distal (far) areas to proximal (central) locations. The reflexes may be decreased or absent. Muscle weakness or paralysis of the affected area may be present. A muscle twitch (fasciculations) or muscle atrophy may be apparent.

An EMG (a test of electrical activity in muscles) may indicate the type and degree of peripheral nerve injury. Nerve conduction tests may indicate the loss of the myelin sheath (slow conduction rate) or degeneration of the axon of the nerve cell (normal conduction rate).

Other tests are guided by the suspected cause of the disorder, as suggested by the history, symptoms presented, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various X-rays, scans, blood tests, or other tests and procedures.