Polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder that occurs when many nerves throughout the body malfunction simultaneously. It manifests itself during the onset of degenerative and hereditary diseases that affect the nervous system. Polyneuropathy is included in the list of nervous affections (or neuropathic diseases) that lead to neuralgia.
Polyneuropathy is an inflammation of several nerves in the body. It is, by definition, a neurological disorder that affects the nerves, often being symmetric and frequently affecting the hands and feet. In this case, it is the nerves that are located opposite to each other that are affected. The disease results in motor and sensory dysfunctions that affect both lower limbs. Polyneuropathy may be of alcoholic origin, in which case it may result in a deficiency of vitamins B1, B6 and PP. Other infectious causes may include AIDS, tuberculosis and botulism. Polyneuropathy may also have metabolic origins such as diabetes, chronic renal failure and intermittent acute porphyria.
Polyneuropathy manifests itself by insensitivity of the nerves of the calves and feet. Incoherent transmission of messages to the brain causes tingling sensations. Strange sensations may sometimes appear, like the patient’s impression that he or she is wearing socks, or a disturbed sensitivity. Polyneuropathy also causes paralysis of extensor muscles of the foot. Therefore, the subject walks with steppage gait since he or she is forced to lift his or her knees to avoid tripping on sidewalks and steps. There is also a loss of muscle in the calf and the appearance of buff-coloured sports or dry skin.
Treatment should be tailored to the cause of the pain stemming from the polyneuropathy. Therefore, if the neuralgia occurs after a dry cold snap, it should be treated with Aconite 7 CH. If, on the other hand, the cause seems to be wet weather, the patient should be administered Dulacamar 7 CH. If pain occurs following trauma to nerves, Hyperricum 7 CH is the most appropriate remedy. If it occurs after shingles, use Mezereum 7 CH. The pain may also occur at fixed hours. In this case, resort to Cedron 7 CH. Moreover, the recommended remedies vary depending on the aggravating factors. For example, it is advisable to use China 7 CH if the pain intensifies during cold drafts, Mezereum 7 CH for nocturnal pain and Rhododendron in stormy weather. The remedy can also be adapted according to factors of improvement. In this case, Magnesia Phoshorica 7 CH should be taken in case of high pressure and heat, and Secale cornutum 5 CH should be administered in case of cold temperatures. Finally, the treatment can also be adapted to the sensations felt by the patient: Aconite 7 CH in case of numbness and Belladonna 7 CH in case of irregular heartbeats.
A medical consultation is essential when treatment does not lead to any improvement in the patient’s state of health. It is also mandatory if the symptoms persist or in case of relapse after healing.
Good to know: The remedy used to treat polyneuropathy depends on the type of pain affecting the patient. If it is violent and sudden, the most appropriate solution would consist of administering Magnesia phosphorica 9 CH to the patient. In addition, if the pain is similar to electric-like sensations, it is recommended to treat it with Phytolacca 7 CH.
