This damage may include loss of the myelin sheath, the covering of the nerve cell, which slows conduction through the nerve. It may also include damage to the nerve cell, especially the axon portion of the cell, which blocks conduction at the point of the damage. Causes of damage to nerves include any condition that results in pressure on nerves, inflammation, decreased blood flow, connective tissue disorders, and similar conditions. There is a high degree of variability in the disorders that can cause sensorimotor polyneuropathy, from acute or chronic conditions to unknown causes. Some examples include alcoholic neuropathy , diabetic neuropathy , chronic inflammatory neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome , and neuropathy secondary to drugs .
Prevention varies depending on the cause.
A neuromuscular examination shows sensory and movement abnormalities. There is a slowly progressive pattern to the history of weakness or sensation changes. The reflexes may be decreased or absent. Muscle weakness or paralysis of the affected area may be present. Other tests are guided by the suspected cause of the disorder, as suggested by the history, symptoms presented, and pattern of symptom development.