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PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (usually a 'glove and stocking', symmetrical, sensory neuropathy) |
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commoner causes: |
diabetes mellitus (commonest cause)paraneoplastic syndrome vitamin B 12 deficiencyidiopathic peripheral neuropathy (up to 50%) |
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drugs / chemicals: |
isoniazid phenytoin nitrofurantoin vinca alkaloids |
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rarer causes: |
uraemia myxoedema polyarteritis nodosa systemic lupus erythematosus alcohol amyloidosis sarcoidosis porphyria heavy metal (eg. lead) or arsenic poisoning |
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infections: |
leprosy diphtheria Guillain-Barre syndrome |
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click here for a list of causes classified as sensory or motor neuropathy
click here for a more detailed classification of polyneuropathy
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