Polyneuritis, also known as acute infectious polyneuritis, is a symmetric neurological disorder of the distal limbs caused by multiple causes that damage most peripheral nerve endings. The cause of the disease may be related to certain infections and autoimmunity, and it occurs in summer and autumn. The disease is mainly characterized by numbness and flaccidity of the extremities.
I. Clinical manifestations
The onset of the disease can be acute or slow. It usually starts with muscle weakness of the lower limbs. It develops to the trunk, upper limbs and face. At the same time, there is often symmetrical numbness, spontaneous pain and other sensory abnormalities in the distal extremities. Most patients reach the peak within 3-15 days of onset, and the limbs show varying degrees of flaccid paralysis and distal muscle atrophy. In severe cases, there may be hoarseness, dysarthria, dysphagia, and even respiratory distress. The disease stabilizes and begins to recover within 10-25 days after onset, and patients often exhibit motor, sensory and vegetative nerve dysfunction. The skin becomes thin and tender or rough, the finger (toe) nails become thick and brittle, lose luster, or have white horizontal marks; the distal extremities have symmetrical sensory loss or disappearance, or sensory hypersensitivity; the muscle tone of the extremities decreases, and the knee reflex weakens or disappears. Muscle atrophy.
II. Physical and chemical examination
Cerebrospinal fluid examination: from the second week onwards, the protein is increased, the cell count is normal, i.e. protein and cell separation phenomenon.
Electromyography: shows signs of lower motor neuron damage and slowed motor conduction velocity.
Treatment
1.Western medical treatment
(1) For various possible causes, such as infection, heavy metal or other toxic substances, drug poisoning, give the appropriate treatment. For example, for infection, antibiotics and Chinese medicine are available; for drug poisoning, more drinks are needed to keep the stool open, and for serious cases, rehydration and gastric lavage are needed; for poison poisoning, antidotes are used, etc.
(2) Take a lot of vitamin B1 and B2 to improve nerve nutrition.
(3) Acute infectious polyneuritis, generally available adrenocorticosteroid treatment (such as prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.), in order to inhibit the development of inflammation and reduce symptoms. Acute infectious polyneuritis can sometimes be extremely aggressive, with tetraplegia and respiratory muscle paralysis, accompanied by cyanosis, respiratory distress, and therefore requires immediate oxygen administration. Artificially assisted respiration, and hospital resuscitation, if necessary, tracheotomy is feasible.
2.Chinese medicine treatment
You can take the Chinese medicine Dahuoluo Wan orally, 1 pill each time, 2 times a day. Hu Qian Wan, 1 pill each time, 2 times a day.
3.Acupuncture
The upper limbs are taken from the shoulder, Quchi, Waiguan and Hegu; the lower limbs are taken from the ring jump, Yanglingquan, Feet Three Miles, Hanging Bell and Sanyinjiao. In the acute stage, use the diarrhea method; in the recovery period, it is advisable to use the flat tonic and flat diarrhea method, or add moxibustion.
4.Physical therapy: infrared, ultra-short wave, iontophoresis, electric shock, etc.
5.Sports therapy: strengthen the functional exercise, strengthen the atrophied limbs.
Fourth, care
Closely observe the condition to prevent complications. The rehydration of pediatric patients should be strictly controlled to prevent the occurrence of heart failure. Pay attention to turning and patting the back of bedridden patients, and prevent foot prolapse and bedsores in severe paralysis. Perform passive activities on paralyzed limbs at an early stage.
V. Prevention
Enhance physical fitness and prevent colds and other infectious diseases. Pay attention to environmental and personal hygiene to prevent disease epidemics.