Acute idiopathic polyneuritis is a rare condition that causes the immune system to attack the nerves. There are treatments for this condition, so contact your doctor if you think you may have it.
Acute idiopathic polyneuritis is an autoimmune syndrome, but it is not clear what causes it. In this condition, the immune system begins to destroy the material that surrounds the nerves, so the nerves can’t transmit signals efficiently. This causes muscles to lose their ability to respond to the brain’s messages.
One theory behind the cause of acute idiopathic polyneuritis is the presence of antibodies in the blood that may affect how the autoimmune system behaves. Antibodies are proteins that are made by the immune system to attack foreign substances that may threaten the body. But in the case of acute idiopathic polyneuritis, there may be antibodies in the blood that might cause the attack of nerves.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing acute idiopathic polyneuritis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
- Age: 15-35 and 50-75 years old
- Gastrointestinal or respiratory viral infection
- Surgery
- Vaccinations
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to acute idiopathic polyneuritis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
- Weakness or tingling in the legs that may spread to the arms and upper body
- Restricted muscle use
- Almost complete paralysis
- Problems breathing
- High or low blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rate
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
- Reflex tests
- Nerve conduction velocity test – to determine how fast signals travel along the nerve
- Spinal tap
– removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
In plasmapheresis, or
plasma exchange
, whole blood is taken from your body. The plasma (clear, yellowish fluid portion of the blood) is removed along with the antibodies. The blood is the returned to the body, and the body replaces the plasma.
Your doctor may give you high doses of immunoglobulin proteins through intravenous (IV) injections to lessen the immune attack on your nervous system.
Since its cause is unclear, there is no known way to prevent acute idiopathic polyneuritis.
Last reviewed March 2007 by Roshni N. Patel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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