Polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy is a condition affecting several peripheral nerves at once. It most often shows up as numbness, burning and reduced sensation in the feet, which gradually spread upwards. At our neurology practice in Bratislava we find its cause, measure the extent of the damage with an EMG examination and set up treatment.
- Medical guarantor MUDr. Michal Kozmon – a board-certified neurologist with experience at University Hospital Bratislava, specializing in EMG
- EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs right in the practice, with the result on the spot
- An appointment within a few days, no referral needed
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What polyneuropathy is
Polyneuropathy means simultaneous damage to many peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, the spinal cord and the limbs. The damage shows first in the longest nerves – that is, in the feet – and gradually spreads upwards.
That is why the “stocking” pattern is typical: the problems begin symmetrically in the feet and toes, as if you were wearing socks, and only later can they also affect the hands in the form of “gloves”.
The most common causes
Finding the cause is key – the treatment depends on it
Diabetes
The most common cause of polyneuropathy. Long-term elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves, typically in the lower limbs.
Alcohol
Excessive long-term alcohol consumption directly damages the nerves and at the same time leads to a deficiency of B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
A lack of vitamin B12 (for example with an absorption disorder or a restricted diet) disrupts nerve function and can cause numbness and unsteadiness when walking.
Medication and other causes
Some medications, thyroid or kidney disease and autoimmune processes can also lead to damage to the peripheral nerves.
Symptoms of polyneuropathy
The problems are usually symmetrical and gradually get worse
- Numbness, pins and needles and burning in the feet and toes, often worse at night
- Reduced sensation – a feeling of "walking on cotton wool" and unsteadiness on the feet
- Hypersensitivity of the skin, when even the touch of a blanket is unpleasant
- Muscle weakness and cramps in the calves, later also loss of muscle mass
- As the condition progresses, similar problems in the hands in a "glove" distribution
Diagnosing polyneuropathy
The foundation is the initial neurological examination – a 30-minute consultation with a detailed medical history and a clinical examination of sensation, reflexes and muscle strength. From this alone we can assess the extent and character of the problems.
We objectively measure the nerve damage with an EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, which shows how severely the nerves are affected. At the same time we take blood tests to find the cause – blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid function and other parameters depending on the findings.
Treating polyneuropathy in our practice
We treat both the cause and the symptoms themselves – both matter.
Treating the cause
The foundation is to influence what is damaging the nerves – controlling diabetes, replacing vitamin B12, stopping alcohol or adjusting medication.
Symptomatic treatment
We set up medication that relieves the burning and numbness, plus supplementary vitamin and infusion therapy according to individual need.
Book on +421 948 687 667. Details can be found in the neurology price list.
When not to postpone the examination
- Rapidly worsening weakness of the legs or arms
- Sudden unsteadiness when walking and frequent tripping or falls
- Numbness that spreads upwards from the feet over a matter of days
- Non-healing sores on the feet with reduced sensation, especially in diabetes
Do not postpone booking
Rapidly progressing weakness or loss of sensation require an early examination – the sooner we find the cause, the better we can stop the nerve damage. Book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about polyneuropathy
Numbness and burning of the feet in a symmetrical “stocking” pattern is a typical sign of polyneuropathy – damage to the peripheral nerves. The cause is usually diabetes, alcohol, B12 deficiency or certain medications.
The foundation is a neurological examination and an EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, which measures the extent of the nerve damage. We also look for the cause with blood tests – blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid and others.
It depends on the cause and how early it is caught. If we address the cause in time (controlling diabetes, replacing B12, stopping alcohol), the damage can be halted and the problems eased. At the same time we also treat the symptoms themselves.
Diabetes is the most common cause. Long-term elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves, which is why good diabetes control is the foundation of both treatment and prevention.
No. You book directly by phone and you will usually get an appointment within a few days, with no referral.
Most patients manage it without difficulty. During nerve conduction measurement you feel only gentle electrical impulses, and most patients get through the examination without problems. We evaluate the result right on the spot.
Related topics
EMG examination
Objective measurement of nerve function and the extent of damage in polyneuropathy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist – another common cause of numbness.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Are your feet numb or burning?
Book a neurological examination in Bratislava – we find the cause and set up treatment without needless waiting.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy is a condition affecting several peripheral nerves at once. It most often shows up as numbness, burning and reduced sensation in the feet, which gradually spread upwards. At our neurology practice in Bratislava we find its cause, measure the extent of the damage with an EMG examination and set up treatment.
- Medical guarantor MUDr. Michal Kozmon – a board-certified neurologist with experience at University Hospital Bratislava, specializing in EMG
- EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs right in the practice, with the result on the spot
- An appointment within a few days, no referral needed
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What polyneuropathy is
Polyneuropathy means simultaneous damage to many peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, the spinal cord and the limbs. The damage shows first in the longest nerves – that is, in the feet – and gradually spreads upwards.
That is why the “stocking” pattern is typical: the problems begin symmetrically in the feet and toes, as if you were wearing socks, and only later can they also affect the hands in the form of “gloves”.
The most common causes
Finding the cause is key – the treatment depends on it
Diabetes
The most common cause of polyneuropathy. Long-term elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves, typically in the lower limbs.
Alcohol
Excessive long-term alcohol consumption directly damages the nerves and at the same time leads to a deficiency of B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
A lack of vitamin B12 (for example with an absorption disorder or a restricted diet) disrupts nerve function and can cause numbness and unsteadiness when walking.
Medication and other causes
Some medications, thyroid or kidney disease and autoimmune processes can also lead to damage to the peripheral nerves.
Symptoms of polyneuropathy
The problems are usually symmetrical and gradually get worse
- Numbness, pins and needles and burning in the feet and toes, often worse at night
- Reduced sensation – a feeling of "walking on cotton wool" and unsteadiness on the feet
- Hypersensitivity of the skin, when even the touch of a blanket is unpleasant
- Muscle weakness and cramps in the calves, later also loss of muscle mass
- As the condition progresses, similar problems in the hands in a "glove" distribution
Diagnosing polyneuropathy
The foundation is the initial neurological examination – a 30-minute consultation with a detailed medical history and a clinical examination of sensation, reflexes and muscle strength. From this alone we can assess the extent and character of the problems.
We objectively measure the nerve damage with an EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, which shows how severely the nerves are affected. At the same time we take blood tests to find the cause – blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid function and other parameters depending on the findings.
Treating polyneuropathy in our practice
We treat both the cause and the symptoms themselves – both matter.
Treating the cause
The foundation is to influence what is damaging the nerves – controlling diabetes, replacing vitamin B12, stopping alcohol or adjusting medication.
Symptomatic treatment
We set up medication that relieves the burning and numbness, plus supplementary vitamin and infusion therapy according to individual need.
Book on +421 948 687 667. Details can be found in the neurology price list.
When not to postpone the examination
- Rapidly worsening weakness of the legs or arms
- Sudden unsteadiness when walking and frequent tripping or falls
- Numbness that spreads upwards from the feet over a matter of days
- Non-healing sores on the feet with reduced sensation, especially in diabetes
Do not postpone booking
Rapidly progressing weakness or loss of sensation require an early examination – the sooner we find the cause, the better we can stop the nerve damage. Book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about polyneuropathy
Numbness and burning of the feet in a symmetrical “stocking” pattern is a typical sign of polyneuropathy – damage to the peripheral nerves. The cause is usually diabetes, alcohol, B12 deficiency or certain medications.
The foundation is a neurological examination and an EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, which measures the extent of the nerve damage. We also look for the cause with blood tests – blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid and others.
It depends on the cause and how early it is caught. If we address the cause in time (controlling diabetes, replacing B12, stopping alcohol), the damage can be halted and the problems eased. At the same time we also treat the symptoms themselves.
Diabetes is the most common cause. Long-term elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves, which is why good diabetes control is the foundation of both treatment and prevention.
No. You book directly by phone and you will usually get an appointment within a few days, with no referral.
Most patients manage it without difficulty. During nerve conduction measurement you feel only gentle electrical impulses, and most patients get through the examination without problems. We evaluate the result right on the spot.
Related topics
EMG examination
Objective measurement of nerve function and the extent of damage in polyneuropathy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist – another common cause of numbness.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Are your feet numb or burning?
Book a neurological examination in Bratislava – we find the cause and set up treatment without needless waiting.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy is a condition affecting several peripheral nerves at once. It most often shows up as numbness, burning and reduced sensation in the feet, which gradually spread upwards. At our neurology practice in Bratislava we find its cause, measure the extent of the damage with an EMG examination and set up treatment.
- Medical guarantor MUDr. Michal Kozmon – a board-certified neurologist with experience at University Hospital Bratislava, specializing in EMG
- EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs right in the practice, with the result on the spot
- An appointment within a few days, no referral needed
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What polyneuropathy is
Polyneuropathy means simultaneous damage to many peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, the spinal cord and the limbs. The damage shows first in the longest nerves – that is, in the feet – and gradually spreads upwards.
That is why the “stocking” pattern is typical: the problems begin symmetrically in the feet and toes, as if you were wearing socks, and only later can they also affect the hands in the form of “gloves”.
The most common causes
Finding the cause is key – the treatment depends on it
Diabetes
The most common cause of polyneuropathy. Long-term elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves, typically in the lower limbs.
Alcohol
Excessive long-term alcohol consumption directly damages the nerves and at the same time leads to a deficiency of B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
A lack of vitamin B12 (for example with an absorption disorder or a restricted diet) disrupts nerve function and can cause numbness and unsteadiness when walking.
Medication and other causes
Some medications, thyroid or kidney disease and autoimmune processes can also lead to damage to the peripheral nerves.
Symptoms of polyneuropathy
The problems are usually symmetrical and gradually get worse
- Numbness, pins and needles and burning in the feet and toes, often worse at night
- Reduced sensation – a feeling of "walking on cotton wool" and unsteadiness on the feet
- Hypersensitivity of the skin, when even the touch of a blanket is unpleasant
- Muscle weakness and cramps in the calves, later also loss of muscle mass
- As the condition progresses, similar problems in the hands in a "glove" distribution
Diagnosing polyneuropathy
The foundation is the initial neurological examination – a 30-minute consultation with a detailed medical history and a clinical examination of sensation, reflexes and muscle strength. From this alone we can assess the extent and character of the problems.
We objectively measure the nerve damage with an EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, which shows how severely the nerves are affected. At the same time we take blood tests to find the cause – blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid function and other parameters depending on the findings.
Treating polyneuropathy in our practice
We treat both the cause and the symptoms themselves – both matter.
Treating the cause
The foundation is to influence what is damaging the nerves – controlling diabetes, replacing vitamin B12, stopping alcohol or adjusting medication.
Symptomatic treatment
We set up medication that relieves the burning and numbness, plus supplementary vitamin and infusion therapy according to individual need.
Book on +421 948 687 667. Details can be found in the neurology price list.
When not to postpone the examination
- Rapidly worsening weakness of the legs or arms
- Sudden unsteadiness when walking and frequent tripping or falls
- Numbness that spreads upwards from the feet over a matter of days
- Non-healing sores on the feet with reduced sensation, especially in diabetes
Do not postpone booking
Rapidly progressing weakness or loss of sensation require an early examination – the sooner we find the cause, the better we can stop the nerve damage. Book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about polyneuropathy
Numbness and burning of the feet in a symmetrical “stocking” pattern is a typical sign of polyneuropathy – damage to the peripheral nerves. The cause is usually diabetes, alcohol, B12 deficiency or certain medications.
The foundation is a neurological examination and an EMG for polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, which measures the extent of the nerve damage. We also look for the cause with blood tests – blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid and others.
It depends on the cause and how early it is caught. If we address the cause in time (controlling diabetes, replacing B12, stopping alcohol), the damage can be halted and the problems eased. At the same time we also treat the symptoms themselves.
Diabetes is the most common cause. Long-term elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves, which is why good diabetes control is the foundation of both treatment and prevention.
No. You book directly by phone and you will usually get an appointment within a few days, with no referral.
Most patients manage it without difficulty. During nerve conduction measurement you feel only gentle electrical impulses, and most patients get through the examination without problems. We evaluate the result right on the spot.
Related topics
EMG examination
Objective measurement of nerve function and the extent of damage in polyneuropathy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist – another common cause of numbness.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Are your feet numb or burning?
Book a neurological examination in Bratislava – we find the cause and set up treatment without needless waiting.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk