ABSTRACT
Chronic sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a common clinical problem referred
to neurologists. Even with modern diagnostic approaches, up to one-third of them will
remain unclassified. Recent studies have provided insight into their clinical spectrum
and course. The age of onset tends to be in the sixth to seventh decade of life. Symptoms
progress slowly, and most patients present with paresthesias or pain. Cryptogenic
polyneuropathies are almost exclusively axonal on clinical, electrophysiologic, and
histologic grounds. Overall, the prognosis is favorable, and only a small minority
of patients develop significant motor disability or physical incapacitation. Progression
to a nonambulatory state essentially never occurs. Successful management should focus
on rational pharmacotherapy for painful paresthesias combined with patient education
and reassurance.
Keywords
sensorimotor polyneuropathy - cryptogenic - unclassified
