Nerve damage is also known as peripheral neuropathy. It is commonly associated with diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, drug side effects, and nutritional deficiencies, but it can also occur as a result of an injury or trauma. Nerves are made up of fibers, which are also known as axons. These fibers are covered with tissues that act as a type of insulation. Sometimes, after an injury, only the fibers are damaged. In more serious situations, both the fibers and tissues are damaged. In some cases, the nerve is completely severed. The nerves in your arms, feet, and hands are the most likely to be damaged, though other parts of your body may also be affected.

There are three types of nerves in the body: the autonomic nerves, motor nerves, and sensory nerves. Symptoms depend on the location and type of nerves that are affected. Damage can occur to nerves in your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, which are located throughout the rest of the body. Autonomic nerve damage may result in angina or heart attack, lightheadedness, dry eyes and mouth, constipation, bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Damage to motor nerves symptoms may include weakness, muscle atrophy, twitching, and paralysis. The symptoms of sensory nerve damage may include pain, sensitivity, numbness, tingling in the hands and feet, burning, and problems with positional awareness. Nerve damage tends to be worse in the part of the body that was injured. 

Because nerves are essential in everything you do, nerve pain and damage can seriously affect your quality of life. Nerve damage cannot be cured entirely. However, there are several treatments available to help you manage your symptoms. The first goal of the treatment is to address the underlying condition that is causing your nerve damage by regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, correcting nutritional deficiencies, physical therapy or surgery to address compression or trauma to nerves, and medications to treat autoimmune conditions. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is critical to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. It reduces the possibility of long-term damage. Stay safe everyone!

- PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Spotting the Warning Signs of Nerve Damage

https://www.jonathanshultsmd.com/blog/spotting-the-warning-signs-of-nerve-damage

2. Nerve Pain and Nerve Damage

By Hilary Parker, Medically Reviewed by Christopher Melinosky, MD on April 15, 2022

https://www.webmd.com/brain/nerve-pain-and-nerve-damage-symptoms-and-causes