Toxic neuropathies

Abstract

Many substances, organic and manufactured, may induce peripheral nerve damage when exposed to them. The expected clinical phenotype is of a distal, sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy, often painful, with axonal characteristics on electrodiagnostic and histopathologic analysis. Treatment is limited; often, the only effective management is supportive care and avoidance from or removal of the offending toxin. Fortunately, the majority of toxic neuropathies are self-limited and improves gradually after toxin elimination.