Alcoholic polyneuritis: symptoms, prognosis and treatment. Types and treatment of polyneuritis of the lower extremities

Polyneuritis - multiple lesions of nerve endings. What about kidney polyneuritis? Violation of the conduction of the nerves that are responsible for the connection of the organ with the brain. Sometimes inflammation of the nerve endings of the kidney is called demyelinating-type renal neuropathy. How does this condition arise and can the situation be corrected by traditional medicine methods?

Damage to neurons is fraught with complications in the work of the kidneys.

Features of the pathological process

The process of innervation (the connection of organs with the nervous system, which ensures their functionality and response to stimuli) is based on two ways:

• afferent (from the organ to the brain), in the kidney it is provided by the lower thoracic and spinal nodes;
• efferent (from the central nervous system to the organ), lumbar and thoracic sympathetic nodes.

The renal tissue itself (parenchyma) does not have nerve endings, but the shell of the organ (capsule) is permeated with them. Therefore, during inflammatory processes that lead to an increase in the size of the kidney, the capsule stretches, which catches the nerve endings, and pain begins. The brain receives a signal about a violation of functionality. If the irritating factor is not eliminated, then this can lead to serious violations of the structure of the myelin sheath (covers nerve cells, a kind of electrical tape), which over time will make it impossible to conduct an electrical impulse along the nerve and affect the functioning of the organ. What kind of inflammatory processes can provoke such a pathology?

Causes and symptoms

In the kidneys, pathologies easily occur if the body is often supercooled. The nervous system also suffers from hypothermia, from a lack of B vitamins. The causes of functional disorders can be of chemical, physiological, mechanical origin, namely:

1. internal diseases of the endocrine, oncological and genetic nature;
2. the introduction of viral or bacterial agents, which leads to intoxication;
3. taking high doses of nephrotoxic drugs (antibiotics, bismuth preparations);
4. toxic effect of poisons, for example, lead, mercury, arsenic, sulfocarbonate, alcohol;
5. injury or its consequences.

A feature of alcoholic neuropathy is the defeat of the distal nerves in the kidneys. The constant intake of ethyl alcohol gradually poisons the kidneys, they cannot cope, because they lose contact with the control center, which gives orders through the nerve pathways. We can say that alcohol partially blocks the renal nerves and the kidney loses its sensitivity to toxins that poison it.

Polyneuritis often occurs against the background of advanced kidney disease. Not timely prescribed treatment or ignoring the doctor's instructions by the patient leads to various kinds of complications. Chronic pyelonephritis, for example, tends to flare frequently and this depletes the renal parenchyma, blood supply, filtration and transmission of nerve impulses from and to the organ. Symptoms accompanying kidney polyneuropathy are as follows:

• drawing pain in the lumbar region;
• swelling of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, especially during activities requiring fine motor skills and physical effort;
• numbness of the extremities, impaired sensitivity to temperature;
• hyperhidrosis (increased sweating);
• nausea, vomiting;
• marble skin pattern.

Since polyneuritis is a consequence of a prolonged inflammatory process in the kidneys, the therapy will be complex. For example, if chronic pyelonephritis has become the cause of polyneuritis, then antimicrobials can be used:

• antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone group ("Ciprofloxacin", "Norfloxacin");
• sulfonamides ("Urosulfan", "Biseptol");
• nitrofurans ("Furazolidone", "Furazidin", trade name "Furagin", "Furamag");
• nitroxoline ("5-NOC").

Given that polyneuritis is a lesion of nerve endings, efforts will be directed to restoring nerve patency. This takes time, as the symptoms may persist for a long time. B vitamins, preparations that restore the structure of the myelin sheath (Keltikan, Nucleo CMF), nootropic agents, metabolic therapy - all this will improve microcirculation and nerve trophism.

Sulfanilamide uroantiseptics are rarely prescribed, as they cause crystalluria, hematuria, and interstitial nephritis.

It also provides for the intake of anti-inflammatory and diuretic drugs. You can not do without a diet, table number 7: a reduced content of proteins, salt, an increased amount of B vitamins. Consume up to 3 liters of liquid per day. The diet should contain vegetables and fruits that provide a diuretic effect (pumpkin, watermelon, zucchini), berry fruit drinks, juices, compotes, jelly, weak tea, dairy products, white bread, sugar is allowed (50-70 g per day). Preference is given to stews and boiled dishes, it is better to exclude fried foods. Dietary nutrition provides for the rejection of alcoholic beverages, cream cakes and pastries, concentrated broths, sweet carbonated drinks, spicy, smoked and canned foods, and coffee are prohibited.

Wholemeal bakery products, buckwheat, beef, liver, seafood, eggs, poultry meat, dried fruits (figs, dates, raisins) will also provide a beneficial effect. Meals - 4-6 times a day. Mineral waters with low salinity will give a positive effect, and treatment with medicines will give a positive result much faster.

Alcoholic polyneuritis is observed mainly in persons who chronically consume alcohol in all its forms. Any surrogates of alcohol are especially harmful: hypocrisy, denatured alcohol, etc. The disease occurs most often in middle age and is more common in men than in women. It is extremely rare in childhood.

Pathological anatomy and pathogenesis

Alcoholic polyneuritis can affect almost all nerves, most of the lesions are parenchymal in nature. Various stages of degeneration are observed, from mild periaxillary neuritis to severe changes with the disappearance of the membrane. Primary rebirths are often joined by secondary ones - rebirths of the distal segments. Degenerative changes in muscles are also frequent, which depend not only on damage to the motor nerve fibers, but also on myositis, which appears from the direct action of alcohol.

Course and forecast

Alcoholic polyneuritis always proceeds acutely or subacutely. Rapidly, with a high temperature, occurring cases give an unfavorable prognosis. Death sometimes occurs in 10-14 days. If the course is less rapid, then the prognosis is based on the general condition and intensity of the spread of paralysis as well as on the involvement of the cranial nerves.

With only one lesion of the legs, the prognosis is more favorable than with the defeat of more arms or torso.

Chronic forms are very rare. There are recurrent forms, for example, annually at the same time. In most cases, the course is favorable, either complete recovery occurs, or partial with defects. Until all the phenomena of paralysis disappear, a year may pass, and as an exception, several years.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms:

1. numbness of the limbs;
2. soreness of the calves and nerve endings;
3. decreased sensitivity of the feet;
4. tiresome hiccups;
5. insomnia;
6. weakness and fatigue.

Alcoholic polyneuritis is often accompanied by fever, rarely delirium tremens. Paresthesias and pains appear - a feeling of itching, loss of sensitivity at the ends of the legs and arms, lancinating pains in the limbs. Often the pains are insignificant in strength, but sometimes they are very intense, and can also be aggravated by movement, by pressure on the nerves and muscles, and sometimes only by touching the skin.

Weakness soon sets in, chiefly in the legs, aggravated over days or weeks, rarely months, so that the patient cannot walk at all. The psyche of the patient at this time is either normal or disturbed; there are gastrointestinal disorders, tremor. Further, weight loss appears from the side of the legs, which does not occur in the early periods.

Pressure on the muscles and nerves is painful, passive movements are free, but also painful.

Tendon reflexes are either very weak or completely extinguished; at the beginning of the disease, they can be enhanced. Paralysis is usually not complete, not of the entire limb, but only of a certain muscle group supplied with a diseased nerve; but not all the muscles of this group get sick, but only one or several of them. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of either a complete or partial rebirth reaction, or a decrease in electrical excitability. The upper extremities are often not affected at all.

In general, the disease can affect either one limb, or both, or all, and it affects either the nerves of the same name, or opposite ones. Ataxia is often associated with motor weakness, which in some cases occurs at the onset of the disease, sometimes ataxia occurs on its own without movement disorders. Coordination disorder also occurs in the upper limbs.

Sensitivity

As for the sensitive sphere, it is less disturbed than the motor one. This disorder is localized mainly along the periphery of the limb. Often all kinds of sensitivity are dulled. Sometimes there are combinations of anesthesia for tactile and hyperesthesia for pain sensitivity. Hyperesthesia is especially common on the sole and can give rise to difficulty in gait. Like motor disorders, sensory disorders are more pronounced on the legs.

Skin reflexes

Skin reflexes for the most part are either reduced or absent, but with hyperesthesia in this area, they can be increased. Vasomotor, secretory and trophic disorders are not uncommon in this disease: edema, thickening of the joints, the skin turns red, becomes glossy. The bladder and rectum are usually unaffected, which may distinguish it from spinal cord disease.

Mental disorders

Mental disorders accompanying alcoholic polyneuritis relate mainly to confusion and weakening of memory for recent events and the appearance of false memories - "Korsakov's polyneuritic psychosis". Of the cranial nerves, the nerves of the eye muscles are more often involved. It should be noted that there is never a reflex immobility of the pupils, in contrast to chronic alcoholism. Diseases of the optic nerve are rare. Sometimes there is a central scotoma.

Treatment Methods

The main treatment is:

• medication;
• physiotherapy exercises (LFK);
• phytotherapy;
• special limb massage.

Thanks to these methods, some nerve endings are restored, as well as muscle strength.

The following procedures are also applied to the treatment:

• acupuncture;
• taking B group vitamins;
• muscle and nerve stimulation;
• taking antiviral drugs;
• neurolysis of nerve endings, etc.

Almost every patient has a chance for recovery.

Basically, the recovery of the patient depends on the complete refusal to use alcohol, in any of its manifestations. If this condition is met, as well as complex and long-term (3-4 months) therapy, the clinical prognosis is favorable.

There are many diseases of the nervous system, one of which - polyneuritis - is a numerous symmetrical lesion of nerve fibers, often of a toxic and traumatic nature.

Polyneuritis is a consequence of any disease, however, it has clear symptoms.

Modern science calls multiple nerve damage "polyneuropathy", but the outdated term "polyneuritis" has not been eradicated from doctors.

Polyneuritis is divided into external (intoxication with alcohol, arsenic, lead, etc.) and internal (pregnancy, diabetes, nephritis, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, etc.).

Classify the disease and the affected nerve.

Table 1. Sensitivity disorder depending on the damage to the cranial nerves

The nerves that go into the limbs are most susceptible to harmful effects. they are more specialized and at this level, the cells feel oxygen starvation faster.

The reasons

The main provoking factors:

• poisons (ethyl alcohol, vaccination, medicines, heavy metals, protein breakdown products);
• injuries (including electrical);
• metabolic products (excreted in diseases, especially endocrine glands);
• inflammatory (toxins come with uncontrolled production of antibodies and other elements of immunity);
• infectious agents (bacteria or viruses);
• ischemia (due to impaired blood supply).

There is a lot of vitamin B 1 in yeast, liver, rye bread, so it is important to include them in the diet.

The most common diseases

The cause of polyneuropathy of the extremities can be:

• diabetes;
• post-vaccination lesions of the central nervous system;
• occupational hazard (work at low temperatures, with vibration devices);
• avitaminosis B 1;
• renal failure in a chronic form;
• infection (flu, diphtheria, typhoid fever, dysentery, tonsillitis);
• sclerosis;
• intoxication with arsenic, heavy metals, phosphorus-containing products.

More common polyneuritis, provoked by diabetes and alcohol. In diabetes, the disease progresses despite treatment. Therapy only slows it down.

Alcoholic polyneuropathy

Ethanol violates the integrity of the processes of neurons and their membranes, which is manifested by sweating of the hands, swelling of the hands and feet.

The disease progresses slowly and - which is typical - with the refusal of alcohol, the functions of nerve fibers resume.

Alcoholic neuropathy is often associated with brain damage. If it turns into dementia, the normalization of the activity of nerve cells with the refusal of alcohol is impossible.

The disease is treated with vitamin therapy, drugs that improve tissue respiration, and hepatoprotectors.

Reversibility distinguishes alcoholic polyneuropathy from all other types of the disease, but not everyone is able to cope with addiction.

One of the complications of diabetes is, which can lead to gangrene if treatment is not started on time.

The massage technique for neuritis of the facial nerve is described.

An occupational disease of drillers and people who work on vibrating equipment is vibration disease. Symptoms, types and diagnosis are described.

Symptoms

First, the lower limbs are affected, then the upper ones; first of all, the sensitivity in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe feet and hands decreases.

There is an instability of gait, the feeling of support disappears. The person feels as if the floor is soft under him.

Characteristic "gait of a rooster" - a wide step with legs bent at the knees. This type of movement occurs due to the fact that the muscles have lost their tone and the foot sags.

A person is practically not aware of his body in space due to reduced temperature, pain and deep muscle sensitivity.

Symptoms are accompanied by sensations of tingling and goosebumps, numbness, coldness, chills in the heat, shooting and recurring burning severe pains of the upper and lower extremities. Weakness appears in the hands, it becomes difficult to carry out household activities: hold a pen, fasten buttons, tie shoelaces.

Darkening or cyanosis of the skin, thinning and striation of the nails, ulcers due to malnutrition of tissues, loss of the ability to feel sharp and hot objects are characteristic.

Table 2. Comparative characteristics of various types of polyneuritis

As the disease progresses, the symptoms increase (except for acute poisoning). The patient is not able to serve himself, becomes recumbent. The likelihood of such a scenario in alcoholics is especially high.

Previously, neuritis in pregnant women was associated with toxicosis, but later it was found that the cause lies in foreign proteins from the fetus and placenta.

Treatment

Because polyneuropathy is a consequence of a deep disease, it is necessary to eliminate the cause or reduce its influence. It is easier to cure external polyneuropathy, in particular, alcoholism and poisoning with toxic substances. Some time after blocking the harmful factor, the functions of nerve cells return. The same applies to infectious neuritis. However, it often leads to complications.

Treatment is reduced, in addition to eliminating the underlying ailment, to the nutrition of nerve fibers.

Nootropic drug Piracetam

For this, neuroprotectors are used:

• Piracetam and its derivatives;
• medicines based on lipoic acid (Berlition, Thiogamma);
• B vitamins (Neurubin, Neurovitan, Milgamma);
• Actovegin.

Vitamin injections are prescribed:

• In 1 5% - 1 ml, intravenously with a 40% glucose solution;
• At 12,200 mcg intramuscularly - once, for 20 days;
• In 15 tablets - orally, 0.05 g three times a day.

With a diphtheria origin of the disease, 1 ml of a 0.1% solution of strychnine is injected subcutaneously daily, with allergies - 2-5 ml of 1% diphenhydramine, 1-2 ml of 2.5% chlorpromazine, calcium chloride.

To restore motor activity, baths, iontophoresis, massage are used, tires and sandbags are applied to the limbs.

If polyneuropathy is caused by trauma, only surgical measures are carried out. When a nerve is ruptured, it is stitched together by a neurosurgeon (nerve fibers grow by 1 cm per year).

To accelerate healing, anti-inflammatory and physiotherapy is prescribed. The latter takes up to 50% of complex treatment.

Manipulations in beauty parlors are dangerous, because. injections can damage the trigeminal and facial nerves. Problems that appear when their integrity is violated (operations or “beauty injections”) cannot be eliminated!

The defeat of the body by poisons can lead to such a pathology as. The symptoms and possible complications will be discussed in the article.

You will learn about the causes of facial nerve paresis in newborns and methods of therapy.

Courses of neuroprotective therapy should be long and regular.

The success of treatment depends on age, the presence of bad habits, timeliness. The main thing is not to give up and turn to competent specialists. A consultation with a neurologist is required.

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When numerous dystrophic and inflammatory changes in the peripheral nerve endings appear in the kidneys, kidney polyneuritis occurs. The disease manifests itself most often in adults, but children are no exception. The problem often develops as a result of a complicated course of inflammatory pathologies, poisoning with alcohol and chemicals, with systemic disorders in the functioning of the body. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms of the disease in time, since immediate therapy increases the likelihood of a complete recovery, without complications.

Types of polyneuritis

When establishing an accurate diagnosis, the doctor takes into account the nephrological and urological symptoms.

If polyneuritis occurs when a long process of nerve tissue is damaged, as a result of toxic effects, the disease is called axonopathy. With the pathology of the myelin sheath of the kidney and other internal organ, the appearance of demyelinating neuropathy is inevitable. Based on the etiology of the disease, the types of polyneuritis are recognized:

Etiology and pathogenesis of polyneuritis

Why does polyneuritis occur?

The disease occurs as a result of another illness. The disease provokes injury to the spinal cord. A person also acquires a disease by being intoxicated for a long time. It happens that pathologies develop as a result of undertreated glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis. The cause of pain in polyneuritis is the inflamed parenchyma of the kidneys. In this case, a pain reaction of the nerve ending occurs. Pain indicates a physiological disorder.

With timely therapy, it is possible to improve the condition and relieve renal inflammation in 2-3 days. Full recovery takes 1-2 months.

Frequent colds provoke the appearance of this disease.

There are the main factors that provoke the development of the disease:

• frequent colds;
• long-term effect on the body of sub-zero temperatures;
• damage to the nervous system;
• deficiency of vitamins B1 and B2, B3, B5 and B6, B9 and B12;
• ingestion of a toxic chemical;
• disease of the endocrine system, oncological or genetic pathology;
• intoxication with a viral, bacterial disease or after taking an antibiotic;
• alcohol intoxication;
• after injury.

Symptoms of kidney polyneuritis

The disease is expressed by dysfunction of the nerve pathway, as a result of which the control of the functioning of the kidney by the brain and spinal cord is disturbed. Symptoms of polyneuritis at the initial stage are not clearly expressed. They can be confused with symptoms of another disease. If the nerve endings of the kidney membrane are affected, then the following symptoms are observed:

• the presence of pain syndrome, which is localized in the lumbar region;
• the patient is sick;
• swollen hands and feet;
• the strength of muscle tone decreases;
• burn and numb limbs;
• increased sweating;
• the skin becomes pale, cold, a frosty pattern is possible on the skin;
• impaired tactile sensitivity of the skin.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

The disease is diagnosed by a nephrologist. At the reception, an external examination of the patient is carried out. Then the doctor interviews the patient, describes the complaints. But pulse diagnostics are also carried out. If needed, the doctor will order a blood test for toxins. Based on an objective examination, the diagnostician will make an accurate diagnosis and draw up an optimal treatment regimen.

Treatment of polyneuritis

At the initial stage, the disease is treated, which provoked damage to the nerve endings. Inflammatory processes are treated with antibiotics, Sulfanilamide and Nitrofuran. Doctors prescribe "Urotropin" 4% or "Tripaflavin" 1%. If the patient's illness occurs with a pronounced pain syndrome, he is prescribed painkillers. Diuretics are used against swelling. If chemical poisoning provoked the disease, then the patient must be immediately separated from contact with this substance (alcohol, medicine, chemical preparation).

If treatment is started immediately, it takes time. If therapy is not carried out, it can cause inflammation of the urinary system. Chronic polyneuritis leads to kidney failure.

In order to remove intoxication, antidotes are administered to the patient. To strengthen the body, the patient takes a glucose solution. The patient is prescribed vitamin B and bioactive trace elements. They normalize the metabolic process in the patient's body. In addition, the therapy of a patient with kidney polyneuritis includes a diet. Particularly neglected patients are advised by doctors to adhere to bed rest.

According to localization, the following types of polyneuritis are distinguished:

1. Alcoholic polyneuritis. It is manifested by a violation of motor function and sensitivity. The main symptom of this form of the disease are mental disorders. The patient has memory lapses, he distortedly remembers the events that have occurred. Polyneuritis of the extremities is observed, when the arms and legs become cyanotic, lose sensitivity and mobility.

2. Alimentary polyneuritis. It is associated with a lack of vitamins and minerals (especially B vitamins) or their improper absorption by the body. There is a violation of the heart.

3. Polyneuritis of the kidneys. It develops in severe glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis. It is manifested by edema, weakness of the legs and arms.

4. Infectious. Occurs as a result of penetration into the body of infectious agents. It develops along an ascending path, manifested by a nervous lesion of the limbs, an increase in temperature.

5. Sharp. Polyneuritis disease develops as a complication of viral diseases. Manifested by aching and pain in the limbs, fever.

6. Vegetative polyneuritis of the lower extremities. It occurs as a complication of thyrotoxicosis, intoxication of the body, when working in hazardous industries. It is manifested by severe pain throughout the body, increased sweating and temperature, tissue nutrition in this form of the disease worsens.

7. Diabetic polyneuritis of extremities. Occurs in patients with diabetes. Often, violations in the limbs appear earlier than the main symptoms of the disease. It becomes difficult for a person to walk, atrophy and muscle paresis occur.

8. Toxic polyneuritis of the lower extremities. It occurs as a result of poisoning with salts of heavy metals or alcohol. Accompanied by pain, diarrhea, vomiting.

9. Chronic polyneuritis of the extremities. It develops slowly, manifested by weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the extremities. With advanced forms, inflammation of the brain and speech disorders occur.

Causes of polyneuritis

The most common causes of polyneuritis are:

• infections or viruses (malaria, influenza, typhus, diphtheria, tonsillitis and a number of others);
• alcohol;
• toxins;
• uncontrolled long-term use of certain drugs;
• metabolic disorder;
• poisons (lead, arsenic);
• allergy;
• radiation or electrical damage;
• mechanical damage to muscles;
• tumors.

Risk factors that can provoke the development of polyneuritis:

• diabetes;
• hypovitaminosis (lack of B vitamins);
• work with vibrating tools in the cold;
• blood diseases;
• narrow bony canals through which nerves pass;
• high blood pressure;
• multiple sclerosis.

Polyneuritis: symptoms

Clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the localization of the pathological process and the severity of polyneuritis. The main symptoms of this pathology are:

• gradual onset (except when there is an acute intoxication of the body);
• defeat in the beginning of the lower extremities, starting from the feet;
• decreased sensitivity of the fingers;
• unsteadiness of gait, which is a consequence of damage to the feet;
• "cock" gait - the patient bends his legs at the knees and raises them high;
• tingling, goosebumps, numbness in the limbs;
• hand weakness - it becomes difficult for a person to perform the simplest actions (hold a pencil, tie shoelaces, fasten buttons, and so on);
• periodic severe pain in the limbs;
• decreased pain and temperature sensitivity;
• darkening and thinning of the skin, which occurs due to a violation of trophism, brittle nails, the formation of trophic ulcers.

As the disease progresses, sensory and motor disturbances increase and spread throughout the body. The patient cannot stand up and ceases to serve himself. Especially often this is observed with alcoholic polyneuritis.

Diagnosis of polyneuritis

For an experienced neurologist, the diagnosis of polyneuritis is not particularly difficult. The diagnosis is made based on the characteristic clinical picture of the disease and the patient's complaints. To confirm, a blood and urine test for toxins may be ordered.

It is possible to conduct a study of the pancreas and thyroid gland, liver and kidneys. In addition, electromyography is performed, during which the movement of electrical impulses is examined and the performance of peripheral nerves is determined. In some cases, an examination of the spinal cord and brain using MRI is indicated.

Polyneuritis: treatment

The choice of treatment method depends on the cause of polyneuritis and the degree of sensitivity disorder.

At the initial stages of the disease, drug therapy is prescribed, which includes the appointment of such groups of drugs as:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• analgesics;
• means that accelerate metabolism and stimulate the normalization of the motor function of the limbs.

A good effect with polyneuritis gives physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF).

It is very important to normalize your diet and start eating right. In addition, the patient is shown exercise therapy, which is prescribed by the attending physician, depending on the general condition of the person and the degree of pathological changes. Mud baths and massage will be an excellent addition to the treatment.

In our online store, you are offered the following drugs for the treatment of polyneuritis, which can be used as part of the complex therapy of this disease:

• Bioflavin C;
• B-Complex;
• MultiVita;
• Super Stress Formula.

Before using this or that drug, you should consult with your doctor.

Prevention of polyneuritis

Polyneuritis, the symptoms and treatment of which are described above, can be prevented. To reduce the likelihood of developing the disease, the following recommendations should be observed:

• eat properly;
• prevent the development of hypovitaminosis;
• engage in the prevention of viral diseases during the season of epidemics;
• walk more, play sports;
• avoid getting into stressful situations as much as possible;
• strengthen the body's immune defenses, engage in hardening.