[Polyneuropathies--short and sweet].
Complaints of sensory loss and (painful) tingling in a stocking distribution are not uncommon in primary care. These symptoms are especially troublesome while getting asleep. Characteristically, ankle tendon reflexes and vibration perception are diminished. These are the hallmarks of distal-symmetric sensory polyneuropathy (PNP), with diabetes mellitus being the most common cause in our patient population. PNP presents itself only after years of suboptimal glycemic control in diabetes type 1. In patients with type 2, symptoms of PNP can precede formal diagnosis of diabetes! In this mini-review we present an algorithm for diagnosis and management of PNP's in general practice.
Eschle
Daniel
D
RehaClinic Zurzach, Bad Zurzach. deschle@rehaclinic.ch
Jenni
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation