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Sensorimotor polyneuropathy - Overview

Alternative Names

Polyneuropathy - sensorimotor

Definition of Sensorimotor polyneuropathy:

Sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a decrease in movement or ability to feel (sensation).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Polyneuropathy means disease of nerves. Sensorimotor polyneuropathy is damage to nerves other than the brain or spinal cord. Such nerve damage is called peripheral neuropathy.

Sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a body-wide (systemic) process that damages nerve cells, nerve fibers (axons), and nerve coverings (myelin sheath). Damage to the covering of the nerve cell causes nerve signals to slow down. Damage to the nerve fiber or entire nerve cell can make the nerve stop working.

Nerve damage can be caused by:

  • Conditions that put pressure on nerves
  • Decreased blood flow
  • Diseases that destroy the glue (connective tissue) that holds cells and tissues together
  • Swelling (inflammation)

Possible causes of sensorimotor polyneuropathy include:

  • Reviewed last on: 2/13/2008
  • Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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