Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy

Alternative names

Polyneuropathy - chronic inflammatory

Definition

Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy is a disorder involving slowly progressive or repeated episodes of loss of movement or sensation, caused by inflammation of multiple nerves.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy is a common type of damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy) involving multiple nerves (polyneuropathy). An acute form of the disorder is called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Polyneuropathy implies a widespread process that usually affects both sides of the body equally. The cause of chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy is an abnormal immune response. The specific antigens, immune processes, and triggering factors are variable and in many cases are unknown.

It may occur in association with other conditions such as HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus erythematosis, chronic active hepatitis, and blood cell abnormalities.

Symptoms

• Weakness, usually in the arms and hands or legs and feet
  
• Facial weakness
  
• Difficulty walking
  
• Difficulty using the arms and hands or legs and feet
  
• Sensation changes (usually of the arms and hands or legs and feet)
  o Pain, burning, tingling, or other abnormal sensations
  o Numbness or decreased sensation
  

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Swallowing difficulty
  
• Speech impairment
  
• Loss of function or feeling in the muscles
  
• Muscle contractions
  
• Muscle atrophy
  
• Uncoordinated movement
  
• Dysfunctional movement
  
• Joint pain
  
• Hoarseness or changing voice
  
• Fatigue
  
• Facial paralysis
  
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
  
• Breathing difficulty
  

Signs and tests

A neurological examination shows sensory abnormalities and weakness. Sensation deficits usually occur in a symmetrical pattern, and progress from the extremities to central locations.