Polyneuropathy affects the peripheral nerves, with symptoms often starting in the legs and progressing upwards.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Definition: Polyneuropathy is a condition that involves damage to multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body.
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Location of Symptoms: The initial and most prominent symptoms are often felt in the extremities, especially the legs and feet.
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Progression: In acute cases, such as those related to Guillain-Barré syndrome or toxins, polyneuropathy can begin suddenly and rapidly progress from the legs upwards to the arms. According to references, "Acute polyneuropathies (as occurs in Guillain-Barré syndrome or with toxins) often begin suddenly in both legs and progresses rapidly upward to the arms."
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Areas Affected: While the legs and arms are common starting points, polyneuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body.
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Specific Symptoms:
- Weakness
- Pins-and-needles sensation
- Loss of sensation
- In severe cases, the muscles that control breathing can be affected, leading to respiratory failure.
In summary, polyneuropathy primarily affects the peripheral nerves, and symptoms often begin in the legs and feet before potentially spreading upwards.
