What Are Common Nerve Damage Symptoms?

There are billions of nerves spread all over the body. They are a part of the body’s nervous system, which consists of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves that transmit messages from the rest of the body to the central nervous system). The peripheral nerves include motor nerves that carry messages from the brain to the muscles for voluntary movements such as moving an arm or leg. On the other hand, sensory nerves relay information from the rest of the body to the brain for sensations such as touch, sight, smell, pain, and taste.

Damage to any of the nerves in the body can cause symptoms. Please continue reading to learn about common symptoms of nerve damage.

What is the main cause of nerve damage?

Nerve damage is called neuropathy. It is a common condition and can result from a range of medication conditions. Here are some common causes of peripheral nerve damage:

Diabetes
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Infectious diseases such as shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis C, HIV
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
Chronic kidney disease
Vitamin B and other vitamin deficiencies
Metabolic conditions that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
Circulatory problems, for example, poor blood flow to the legs
Neurological diseases, for example, a nerve disease such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), in which there is damage to the protective myelin sheath of nerves
Exposure to toxins such as heavy metals (lead or mercury poisoning)
Exposure to other toxic substances, such as glues or solvents
Certain tumors
Bone marrow disorders
Some inherited disorders
Long-term heavy use of alcohol
Side effects of certain medications used to treat infections, high blood pressure, and seizures
Injuries and trauma
Exposure to extreme cold
Pressure on a nerve due to repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Pressure on a nerve from a poorly-fitting cast, splint, brace, or crutch

In addition to peripheral neuropathy, nerves in the brain and spinal cord can be damaged, for example, in people with:

Sudden trauma causing a brain or spinal cord nerve injury
Tumors of the brain and spinal cord
Bell’s palsy (weakness of the facial muscles due to inflammation of the facial nerve)
Degenerative neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue

What are three 3 forms of nerve damage?

Nerve damage is classified into three forms as follows:

Neuropraxia in which there is a physiologic block and a temporary loss of nerve function but no loss of structural continuity in the nerve
Axonotmesis in which there is axonal degeneration but preservation of connective tissues around the nerve
Neurotmesis in which there is complete functional loss due to disruption of the axon of the nerve as well as the surrounding connective tissues

What does nerve damage feel like in the body?

Nerve damage can cause a wide range of symptoms in the body. The symptoms of nerve damage depend on the location and severity of the damage (whether the damage involves a single nerve or two or more nerves). For example, people with peripheral neuropathy diagnosed may have symptoms limited to the limbs, whereas those with more widespread nerve damage may have symptoms involving the whole body.

What are the first signs of nerve damage?

Common symptoms of nerve damage can include the following.

Paresthesias

In people with peripheral neuropathies, one of the earliest signs of nerve damage are sensory symptoms called paresthesias. These are abnormal sensations, such as tingling or burning in the arms and legs, frequently seen in people with diabetic neuropathy. These symptoms often begin in the toes and feet and can progress to chronic pain in the feet and legs.

Numbness

Damage to nerve fibers of sensory nerves can cause a loss of sensation in the limbs. If the nerves affected are in the hands and feet, you may not notice when you touch something hot or step on something sharp. You also may not realize you have injuries or blisters (sores) on your feet. Numbness can also cause problems with balance by making it harder for you to tell where your feet are placed.

Nerve pain symptoms

Neuropathic pain can be a sharp, sudden, severe pain that feels stabbing, shooting, burning, or like an electric shock. The pain signals from damaged peripheral nerves can make you sensitive to touch and temperature changes. For example, a light brush on your skin, which is not usually painful, may cause you to feel pain.

Muscle weakness

Motor nerve damage can cause motor symptoms, making it difficult to control the affected muscles. It can also cause muscle weakness. If the damages affect nerves in the leg, for example, you might have problems moving your legs, trip frequently, or suffer falls because your legs buckle due to weakness. If the affected motor nerves are in the arms and hands, you might find it harder to open jars or button your shirts. Damage to peripheral nerves can also lead to muscle twitching, cramping, and muscle atrophy (decrease in size over time).

Autonomic symptoms

Autonomic nerves regulate body processes such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and sexual arousal. Nerve diseases involving the autonomic nerves can cause symptoms such as lightheadedness and fainting. Damage to the nerves of the heart can mask the symptoms of angina (chest pain) or heart attack. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you have signs and symptoms such as sudden fatigue, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.

Digestive system

Nerve damage can cause digestive symptoms such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Sexual problems

Men with nerve damage may have trouble with erections. Women may have vaginal dryness and difficulty with orgasms.

Urinary problems

Nerve damage can cause bladder problems, such as an inability to tell when you have a full bladder leading to urine leakage or being unable to empty your bladder completely.

How do doctors diagnose and treat nerve damage?

Doctors use the following tests for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy and checking nerve health:

Blood tests to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases (conditions that commonly damage the peripheral nerves)
Imaging tests such as a nerve ultrasound to identify pinched or compressed nerves
Electromyography and nerve function tests to measure electrical activity in muscles and nerves
A nerve biopsy to look for abnormalities in the nerve fiber
A skin biopsy to look at nerve endings in the skin

Peripheral neuropathy treatments consist of pain relievers such as NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen and naproxen) for mild nerve pain. Anti-seizure medications and antidepressants may also be prescribed for nerve pain relief. Other treatment options include physical therapy, a TENS unit for gentle nerve stimulation to reduce pain signals, plasma exchange, and surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve.

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