Updated on 05/01/2024
The most known neurological complications observed in kidney diseases are peripheral neuropathy and metabolic encephalopathy. Uremic neuropathy is a sensorimotor axonal neuropathy manifested by numbness and tingling in the extremities of the hands and feet. It almost always occurs when dialysis is required. Uremic neuropathy may be partially corrected with dialysis or kidney transplantation. Uremic encephalopathy is common in uremic patients and can be completely resolved with haemodialysis.
Photo: Dilek Necioğlu Örken
Dialysis dyselibrium syndrome, dialysis dementia, and cerebral hemorrhages are the most well-known neurological complications. Dialysis dyselibrium syndrome is a cerebral oedema caused by the rapid removal of urea by dialysis. It is observed more rarely nowadays. Its signs and symptoms are similar to cerebral haemorrhage. Headache and fatigue are observed. It can be severe enough to cause wakefulness disorder, coma or even death. Dialysis dementia is manifested by apraxia, dysarthria, increased reflexes, involuntary jumping movements in the hands, which we call myoclonus, and epileptic seizures. It is less common today with the removal of aluminium used in dialysis. High blood pressure caused by kidney failure and blood thinners used during dialysis are causes of cerebral haemorrhages.
