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Peripheral nerves are like wires carrying messages between the brain and the body. They branch out from the brain and spinal cord to every part of the body, including the muscles and organs. They carry signals from the brain that control movement, breathing, heartbeat, digestion and more — and signals back to the brain that let us feel pain, heat and cold.
Peripheral nerve disorders happen when one or more of these nerves is damaged, so that it carries messages incorrectly or not at all. The result can be pain, trouble walking, or many other problems, depending on which nerves are affected. The disorders are very common, and there are more than 100 types.
Causes
- Diabetes — the most common cause; most people with diabetes will develop diabetic nerve problems.
- Physical injury that stretches, crushes, squeezes, cuts or presses on nerves — for example, complex regional pain syndrome and brachial plexus injuries.
- Health conditions: certain cancers and their treatment (chemotherapy and radiation); infections such as HIV and Lyme disease; blood and blood vessel problems; autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; and kidney or liver disease.
- Certain medicines, and contact with toxic substances such as lead or mercury.
- Alcohol use disorder and smoking.
- Vitamin imbalances, especially too little vitamin B12.
- Genes — including inherited conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Sometimes the cause is never found.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected, the cause, and how severe the damage is:
| Nerves | What they do | Possible symptoms of damage |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Control muscles and movement — walking, talking, using the hands | Weak or aching muscles; trouble with balance, walking or using arms and hands; cramps or twitching; muscle shrinking |
| Sensory | Carry touch, temperature and pain to the brain | Tingling, numbness or pain, often in the hands and feet; not feeling heat, cold or pain (such as a cut on the foot); pain from even a light touch |
| Autonomic | Control breathing, digestion and other automatic functions | Heartbeat too fast or slow; trouble swallowing; too much or too little sweating; vomiting, diarrhea or constipation; urinary or sexual problems |
Symptoms can be mild or severe and can come on quickly, over days, or slowly, over months and years — but they are rarely life-threatening.
Diagnosis
A provider will take your medical and family history and examine you, and may order:
- blood tests and genetic tests;
- nerve tests measuring electrical activity in nerves and muscles, and how well autonomic nerves work;
- a biopsy of nerve or skin tissue; and
- a CT or MRI scan to see whether something is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment
Treating the condition causing the damage comes first, and sometimes lets the nerves heal over time. Treatment for symptoms depends on the type of disorder, where it is and how severe; options include braces or splints, over-the-counter patches and creams, prescription medicines, non-drug pain relief such as electrical stimulation or relaxation therapy, and surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve.
Prevention
- Manage conditions that can damage nerves, especially diabetes.
- Prevent falls and accidents.
- Avoid toxic substances.
- Avoid repeated motions and positions that press on nerves.
- Eat a balanced diet, exercise, limit alcohol and don’t smoke.
Sources
Based on "Peripheral Nerve Disorders," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, with information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Лицензия: CC0 1.0 (общественное достояние) · По материалам medlineplus.gov
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