polyneuropathyn.
/ˌpɒlɪnjᵿˈrɒpəθi/, /ˌpɒlɪnjʊəˈrɒpəθi/, U.S. /ˈˌpɑlin(j)uˈrɑpəθi/, /ˈˌpɑlin(j)əˈrɑpəθi/ Medicine.
A pathological condition in which there is dysfunction of several or many (esp. peripheral, or sometimes cranial) nerves; (now) spec. a peripheral neuropathy causing bilaterally symmetrical motor and often sensory impairment, typically most severe in the distal portions of the limbs. Frequently with distinguishing word.
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the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > disorders of nervous system > [noun] > other disorders of nerves
afterdischarge1905
Wilson's disease1915
notalgia paraesthetica1934
peripheral neuropathy1936
polyneuropathy1938
1938 I. S. Wechsler in Jrnl. Amer. Med. Assoc. 4 June 1913/2 It is suggested that the term multiple neuropathy, polyneuropathy or peripheral neuropathy be substituted for multiple neuritis in those cases in which both the cause and the pathologic changes point to a degenerative process.
1968 Brain 91 233 Conduction velocity is most likely to be slowed in the polyneuropathies in which there is segmental demyelination of the nerve fibres, as in diphtheritic and diabetes polyneuropathy.
1974 R. Passmore & J. S. Robson Compan. Med. Stud. III. xxxiv. 36/2 Polyneuropathy arises from dietary deficiencies, chemical poisoning and may be a manifestation of numerous diseases.
2003 New Scientist 6 Dec. 14/4 Patients on statins have a substantially increased risk of polyneuropathy, a condition characterised by weakness and numbness in the extremities.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1938