Etymed
polyradiculoneuropathy
Definition
A neurological disorder characterized by damage to multiple nerve roots and peripheral nerves, often presenting with symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain in a distributed pattern
Clinical context
A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with progressive weakness and numbness that started in his feet and has ascended to his thighs over the past week. He describes the sensation as 'pins and needles' and reports difficulty walking. On examination, he has decreased sensation to light touch and diminished deep tendon reflexes in a stocking-glove distribution. His cerebrospinal fluid shows elevated protein levels with normal cell count.
Mnemonic
POLYradiculoneuropathy: PAralysis, Oligo-weakness, Limb pain, Y-oung patients, Radiculopathy, Neuropathy