Sensorimotor polyneuropathy

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Central nervous system

Polyneuropathy - sensorimotor

The goals of treatment include:

• Finding the cause
• Controlling the symptoms
• Promoting a patient's self-care and independence

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Changing medications, if they are causing the problem
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Not drinking alcohol
• Taking daily nutritional supplements

PROMOTING SELF-CARE AND INDEPENDENCE

• Exercises and retraining to maximize function of the damaged nerves
• Job (vocational) therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Orthopedic treatments
• Physical therapy
• Wheelchairs, braces, or splints

CONTROL OF SYMPTOMS

Safety is an important consideration for people with neuropathy. Lack of muscle control and decreased sensation may increase the risk of falls or other injuries.

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If you have movement difficulties, consider the following safety measures:

• Leave lights on.
• Remove obstacles (such as loose rugs that may slip on the floor).
• Test water temperature before bathing.
• Use railings.
• Wear protective shoes (such as those with closed toes and low heels).
• Wear shoes that have non-slippery soles.

Other tips include:

• Check your feet (or other affected area) daily for bruises, open skin areas, or other injuries, which you may not notice and can become infected.
• Check the inside of shoes often for grit or rough spots that may injure your feet.
• Visit a foot doctor (podiatrist) to assess and reduce the risk of injury to your feet.
• Avoid leaning on your elbows, crossing your knees, or being in other positions that put prolonged pressure on certain body areas.

Medications used to treat this condition:

• Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers to reduce stabbing pain (neuralgia)
• Anticonvulsants (gabapentin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, pregabalin)
• Antidepressants (duloxetine, amitriptyline, desimpramine, nortriptyline, venlafaxine)
• Lotions, creams, or medicated patches

Avoid pain medication whenever possible, or use it only when necessary. Keeping your body in the proper position or keeping bed linens off a tender body part may help control pain.