POLYNEUROPATHY
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Polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy (PNP), also called peripheral neuropathy, is a disorder that affects the peripheral nerves in the body. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. They are responsible for transmitting sensory information (sensory information) from the body's organs, muscles and skin to the central nervous system and for conducting motor signals from the central nervous system to the muscles. When these nerves are damaged or destroyed, it can cause various symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the affected areas.
Polyneuropathy
Causes of polyneuropathy
Causes of polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy can occur acutely (with a sudden onset) or chronically (slow development, often over a long period of time).
Causes of acute polyneuropathy
In acute polyneuropathy, the trigger is, for example, an infection with poison-producing bacteria, such as diphtheria. An autoimmune reaction (when the body's own tissues are attacked), such as in Guillain-Barré syndrome or certain toxins, among others. Tricresyl phosphates or thallium can be the trigger.
Causes of chronic polyneuropathy
The cause of chronic polyneuropathy is often unknown. The most common known causes include diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption. Experts estimate that one in two diabetics will develop diabetic polyneuropathy during their lifetime. The reason for this is not yet completely clear. However, it is suspected that the increased blood sugar plays a significant role and promotes nerve damage.
In polyneuropathy as a result of chronic alcohol abuse, the nerves are toxically damaged and the conduction of stimuli is thereby disrupted.
Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
Other causes of PNP can include vitamin B12 deficiency, which leads to spinal cord damage known as funicular myelosis and often pernicious anemia. Likewise, other nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) or, in rare cases, excessive intake of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can also contribute to PNP.
Genetic predisposition
There is a genetic predisposition to polyneuropathy. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN), is the most common form of hereditary neuropathy with an incidence of approximately 1 in 2,500.
Other causes of polyneuropathy:
Infections
(such as hepatitis C, HIV infection, Lyme disease, shingles) and chronic autoimmune diseases (such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus ) can be considered as the cause of PNP.
Cancer diseases
(e.g. multiple myeloma), can also trigger PNP when the cancer invades the nerves directly or puts pressure on the nerves, thereby damaging the nerves.
In this context it should also be mentioned thatDrug, et al. The antiepileptic drug phenytoin, some antibiotics (chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin and sulfonamides) and some chemotherapy agents (vinblastine and vincristine) can trigger PNP, which is noted under side effects in the package leaflet.
OneHypothyroidism (hypothyroidism), but also kidney failureToxins, among othersHeavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury can be the cause of PNP.
Symptoms of polyneuropathy
Depending on the cause, the symptoms of polyneuropathy can appear suddenly (acute, over a few days to a few weeks) or they develop slowly and occur over a longer period of time (chronic, over months or years).
Symptoms of acute polyneuropathies (as in Guillain-Barré syndrome or in connection with toxins)
⎯⎯• suddenly loss of sensation in both legs and rapidly progressing to the arms
⎯⎯• Weakness
⎯⎯• Tingling or loss of sensation, including in the respiratory muscles, which can lead to respiratory failure
Symptoms of chronic polyneuropathies
⎯⎯• Sensation disorders such as tingling, burning and “pins and needles” as well as pain in the affected areas of the body, often initially in the feet
⎯⎯• Unsteady gait
⎯⎯• Muscle weakness and muscle breakdown
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy
⎯⎯• Painful tingling or burning in the hands and feet – distal polyneuropathy
⎯⎯• Loss of temperature and pain sensation (risk of burning yourself)
⎯⎯• Loss of pain sensations that warn of excessive stress; Result in frequent injuries to the joints. This type of joint damage is called neurogenic arthropathy (Charcot joints).
⎯⎯• Disturbances in autonomic nervous system, which regulates automatic body functions such as blood pressure, heartbeat, bladder and bowel function.
Typical complaints are:
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Constipation
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Disturbance of sexual function
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Fluctuations in blood pressure – the most noticeable is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up
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pale and dry skin
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less sweating
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Loss of bladder and bowel control
Symptoms of hereditary polyneuropathies(like Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Hoffmann syndrome)
⎯⎯• Hammertoes
⎯⎯• Hollow foot
⎯⎯• Curved spine (scoliosis)
⎯⎯• Unusual sensory sensations and muscle weakness are usually only mild
⎯⎯• Patients with mild symptoms may not even notice them or pay them no attention. Other patients are severely affected.
Treatment options for polyneuropathy
When treating polyneuropathy, it is important to address the underlying cause. In the case of diabetic polyneuropathy, good blood sugar control is crucial to prevent further nerve damage. A slow reduction in blood sugar levels over a period of three months is recommended.
In the case of alcohol-related polyneuropathy, avoiding alcohol is crucial.
Taking vitamin B1 can also help regenerate nerves.
There are several treatment options that can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Some therapies and treatment options include:
Medication
Various medications can treat pain, inflammation, or nerve damage. These include painkillers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and, in some cases, injections.
physical therapy
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength, maintain mobility, and manage balance problems.
Occupational therapy
Through specific exercises and techniques, occupational therapy can help manage daily activities and improve quality of life.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
This method uses electrical impulses to relieve pain by stimulating the nerves
acupuncture
This alternative treatment method can help relieve pain and improve well-being.
INUSpheresis®
INUSpherese® as an accompanying therapy option for MS
INUSpheresis® shows a clear evidence-based indication in the treatment of polyneuropathy, as it effectively filters out inflammation-causing agents from the blood and ultimately also the nervous system.
INUSpheresis® is based on the process of apheresis or blood washing, in which harmful substances such as toxins, heavy metals, pesticides and other unwanted compounds are removed from the blood. INUSpheresis makes it possible to effectively remove pathological proteins, immune complexes, metabolic waste products, infectious toxins, allergens and inflammatory messengers from the body.
The exact way INUSpherese® works is based on the use of special intelligent filter systems that specifically filter pathogenic substances from the blood while protecting vital blood cells and proteins. INUSpheresis® can be used for chronic inflammation, metabolic and immune system diseases, such as: B. autoimmune diseases can be used.
It is important to point out that the INUSpherese® In the case of chronic polyneuropathy, it is not the causal treatment, but rather a complementary measure to detoxify the body and support recovery. An exact number of required INUSpherese® Treatments may vary from case to case.
However, it should be noted that INUSpheresis® is a medical procedure and may only be performed by qualified professionals. In Germany there are only a few centers that offer this technology, mostly in combination with other holistic therapeutic approaches. ELLANN®, as a certified INUS partner, specializes in INUSpheresis to help you free the body of toxic stress and improve long-term health.
A study published in 2019 looks at the use of INUSpheresis® in diabetic neuropathy and other peripheral neuropathies. This study examined the effectiveness of INUSpheresis in removing metabolic, inflammatory, immunological, and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of diabetic neuropathy. The authors note that therapeutic apheresis (INUSpherese®) may be a promising treatment option.
Study situation
⎯⎯• Allergies
⎯⎯• Lyme disease
⎯⎯• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
⎯⎯• Chronic hepatitis C
⎯⎯• Hashimoto
⎯⎯• Hyperlipidemia
⎯⎯• Crohn's disease
⎯⎯• multiple sclerosis
⎯⎯• Multiple Chemical Hyper-
sensitivity syndrome (MCS)
⎯⎯• Parkinson's
⎯⎯• Post-COVID syndrome
⎯⎯• Post-vac syndrome
⎯⎯• Rheumatism (chronic inflammatory)
⎯⎯• Heavy metal poisoning
⎯⎯• and more
INUSpheresis® was developed to remove a variety of disease-promoting substances and toxic substances from the blood. These include environmental toxins, heavy metals, allergens, metabolic products, inflammatory messengers, infection toxins and harmful proteins. Specially developed filters make it possible to specifically filter out these pollutants while preserving healthy components of the blood. INUSpherese® does not affect your vaccination protection because antibodies and immune cells that are responsible for your vaccination protection are preserved. This makes INUSpheresis® an extremely effective method for cleaning blood plasma and supporting general well-being and health.
INUSpheresis® is not a conventional blood wash or plasma exchange method. It is also not dialysis, in which urinary substances are filtered out. INUSpheresis® is characterized by the targeted removal of harmful substances, while essential and healthy components of your blood remain untouched. This includes vital electrolytes, proteins, nutrients, blood cells and antibodies. The use of specially developed filters ensures that only pathogenic contamination is removed during the treatment. This makes the treatment particularly gentle and generally very well tolerated.
The number of INUSpherese® treatments required depends on your individual health status and health goals. A basic cycle of two treatments within 48 hours is recommended. For more intensive needs, such as extensive heavy metal elimination or complex clinical pictures, a third and even fourth treatment session every 6 to 7 weeks can make sense. Your personal treatment plan will be drawn up by our doctors after a detailed consultation.
An INUSpherese® therapy, which consists of two treatments, accompanying infusion concepts and a preparatory medical consultation, is usually priced between €5,400 and €5,700. This cost information is intended to serve as a rough guide, as the exact investment can vary depending on your individual health condition and any additional therapy options. As part of the therapy planning, you will receive detailed advice and a detailed cost overview that is individually tailored to your health goals.