Peripheral nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is an injury or malfunction to any of the body’s peripheral nerves outside the brain and spine. It can be caused by trauma, disease, inherited or developed disorders, vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, or cancers. Symptoms vary and can affect involuntary functions. Over 100 different types have been diagnosed, with severity, treatment, and duration varying. Diagnosis is difficult, and treatment can include lifestyle changes and therapy.
Peripheral nerve damage is an injury or malfunction to any of the body’s peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spine. Most commonly damaged are the nerve endings in the hands and feet, and this damage is often caused by trauma or disease. Also known as peripheral neuropathy, the damage may or may not be permanent.
Peripheral nerve damage can occur anywhere in the body where there are nerves that carry sensations and messages to the brain. Symptoms vary and depend on which part of the body is damaged. Sometimes parts of the body such as fingers and toes may tingle or become numb. In other more severe cases, the damage can manifest itself in difficulty performing fine motor skills and can affect involuntary functions such as blood pressure, sweating and digestion.
Many things can cause damage to one or more nerves. External forces such as trauma can easily damage nerves, and constant, repetitive movements can take a toll on nerve endings. Those who perform repetitive and precise work can be prone to nerve damage in the fingers and should take steps to avoid dangerous strains. Some viral or bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, can also cause nerve damage. Some toxins can also pose a danger to nerves, including some substances administered on purpose, such as chemotherapy.
Internal causes of peripheral nerve damage may include inherited or developed disorders, vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, or cancers that develop in close proximity to the nerves. The chance of suffering nerve damage can be increased by alcohol abuse, a lifestyle choice that can also cause liver damage, itself another cause of peripheral nerve damage. As an individual ages, their chances of developing one of the types of peripheral nerve damage increase.
Diagnosing peripheral nerve damage can be difficult because the condition is so diverse. A patient’s medical history can help healthcare professionals shed some light on what might be wrong, while blood tests can help determine which areas of the body are affected. Other tests, from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to skin biopsies, can also determine the function of the nerves and the health of the systems, tissues and organs that are connected.
More than 100 different types of peripheral nerve damage have been diagnosed. The severity, treatment and duration vary according to the type. In some cases, a lifestyle change to relieve stress on the nerves may help relieve symptoms. Therapy is available for other types, which can help an individual overcome loss of sensation or regain lost control of muscles and limbs.
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