Neuropathic beriberi

Description of Beriberi
It is a polyneuropathy developed due to inadequate nutrition, which manifests as damage to many nerves (due to a deficiency of B group vitamins, especially vit.B1). Often this disease occurs in alcoholics due to a lack of these vitamins.
It was previously thought that beriberi disease affects residents of Eastern countries, whose diet mainly consists of rice. However, it has been revealed that it is contracted worldwide.

Symptoms
The onset of the disease is often asymptomatic. Later, various degrees of sensory and movement disorders become apparent (especially in the feet and calves), there may be a burning sensation in the feet, followed by a similar sensation in the hands. Patients notice that sweating and swelling of their feet and ankles intensify, they develop ulcers. Movement disorders manifest as partial or complete paralysis of the limbs.
Some patients may experience other symptoms such as low blood pressure, impaired swallowing, breathing.

Diagnosis
a) clinical symptoms;
b) EMG (electroneuromyography) is performed to detect damage to the nervous system.

Treatment
Dietary correction enriched with B group vitamins, abstaining from alcohol. Pain relief – analgesics. Massages, therapeutic exercises are applied. Treatment lasts for weeks or months.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology