Etymed
polyneuropathy
Definition
A neurological condition characterized by damage to multiple nerves throughout the body, often affecting the peripheral nervous system
Clinical context
A 58-year-old diabetic patient presents with progressive weakness and numbness in both feet and hands over several weeks. The patient reports difficulty walking and dropping objects due to loss of sensation. On examination, there is decreased sensation to light touch and vibration in a stocking-glove distribution with reduced deep tendon reflexes in all four extremities.
Mnemonic
Painful, numb, weak - Polyneuropathy affects many nerves