In simple words: Diphtheritic polyneuritis is a serious complication of diphtheria, a bacterial infection. It causes nerve damage, leading to problems like muscle weakness, numbness, and trouble breathing or swallowing. It's caused by a toxin the bacteria releases, which harms nerve coverings.It is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms, history, examination, and sometimes additional tests like a spinal tap.

Diphtheritic polyneuritis is a severe complication of diphtheria that affects the peripheral nerves. It is caused by an exotoxin produced by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which inhibits protein synthesis and myelin production. Diphtheritic polyneuritis typically presents in two phases: initial involvement of the bulbar and other cranial nerves, followed by motor weakness in the extremities and autonomic dysfunction. Symptoms may include muscle weakness (leading to wrist drop or foot drop), sensory loss, calf muscle tenderness, difficulty breathing and swallowing. In severe cases, it can lead to heart or respiratory failure, and even death.Diagnosis is based on patient symptoms, exposure history, physical examination, and potentially lumbar puncture and Schick test.

Example 1: A patient presents with sore throat, weakness, and swollen neck glands. They are diagnosed with diphtheria and treated with antibiotics and antitoxin. Weeks later, they develop muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, consistent with diphtheritic polyneuritis., A child with a history of incomplete diphtheria immunization develops neurological symptoms including difficulty speaking and swallowing a few weeks after a sore throat. They are diagnosed with diphtheritic polyneuritis and treated supportively, with close monitoring of respiratory function., An adult develops diphtheria and receives prompt treatment. However, they experience later onset of progressive weakness and numbness in their limbs, characteristic of diphtheritic polyneuritis. Nerve conduction studies confirm the diagnosis.

Documentation should include evidence of prior diphtheria infection, detailed neurological examination findings (including cranial nerve assessment and motor strength testing), and potentially results of electrodiagnostic studies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.