In the context of Beriberi, what are the features of dry Beriberi?

Dry Beriberi is characterized primarily by peripheral neuropathy due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. This condition manifests as nerve damage that often leads to symptoms such as muscle weakness and sensory disturbances. The peripheral nervous system is affected, resulting in issues like tingling, numbness, and difficulty in movement primarily in the limbs.

Muscle wasting can occur in conjunction with neuropathy but is not accompanied by edema, which differentiates dry Beriberi from the wet form of the disease. The absence of edema means that the presentation focuses more on the neurological implications rather than any swelling associated with fluid retention, which is a hallmark of wet Beriberi. While muscle wasting can be seen, the defining feature remains the neurological impact on peripheral nerves, which informs why recognizing peripheral neuropathy is integral to understanding dry Beriberi.