Critical illness polyneuropathy

Over the past three decades, there has been an increasing interest in cases of profound muscle weakness in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. Potential causes for these acute weakness syndromes are multiple and include disorders of the peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, and muscle (Sliwa, 2000). This article will provide an overview of one potential cause of an acute weakness syndrome affecting peripheral nerves, critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP). A case study concerning a 32-year-old male who suffered multiple traumatic injuries, and who was treated for more than two years, is presented to illustrate the course of the syndrome. He required extensive interdisciplinary involvement to achieve independence in spite of ongoing neurological impairments.