What is Polyneuropathy

Polyneuropathy is the simultaneous malfunction of many peripheral nerves throughout the body. Acute polyneuropathy is caused by infections involving a toxin produced by bacteria, drugs including the anticonvulsant phenytoin, cancer such as multiple myeloma, and certain toxins such as thallium. Known causes of chronic polyneuropathy include diabetes, excessive use of alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, vitamin B12 deficiency, toxic substances, kidney failure, and certain cancers such as lung cancer.

Symptoms of Polyneuropathy

Acute polyneuropathybegins suddenly in both legs and progresses rapidly upward to the arms. Symptoms include weakness and a pins-and-needles sensation or loss of sensation. The muscles that control breathing may be affected, resulting in respiratory failure. In the most common form of chronic polyneuropathy, only sensation is affected. Usually, the feet are affected first, but sometimes the hands are.

A pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, burning pain, and loss of vibration sense and position sense (knowing where the arms and legs are) are prominent symptoms. Because position sense is lost, walking and even standing become unsteady. Consequently, muscles may not be used. Eventually, they may weaken and waste away. Then, muscles may become stiff and permanently shortened (called contractures).

Available Treatments for Polyneuropathy

Treatments depend on the specific cause. For diabetes, careful control of blood sugar levels may slow progression of the disorder and occasionally relieve symptoms. For cancer, surgically removing the cancer may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve. For an underactive thyroid gland, thyroid hormone is given as treatment. For autoimmune disorders treatments include plasma exchange, immune globulin, and drugs that inhibit the immune system.

Eligibility Criteria for Disability Tax Credit for Polyneuropathy

To be eligible for this tax credit, a person must be impaired for over the period of one full year. They can also be eligible if they have difficulty in one of the following daily life activities, such as walking. For a walking impairment, the patient must be unable to walk 100m (a city block) or it must take them an inordinate amount of time (3 times longer than normal) to do so due to shortness of breath.

Click Here To Check Your Eligibility for Disability Tax Credit for Polyneuropathy 

How To Apply for Disability Tax Credit for Polyneuropathy

To apply for this tax credit Form 2201 entitled “Disability Tax Credit Certificate” it must be completed by a registered medical practitioner. This tax credit is only available to those who have taxes payable. This form must be completed by a registered medical practitioner. Qualified registered medical practitioners include a medical doctor, physiotherapist, optometrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and audiologist.

How DCC Can Help Claim Tax Credit

Disability Tax Credit Consultants at DCC can help to claim this tax credit and collect up to $40,000 in disability tax credits