The nervous system is the body’s command centre for a reason. Made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves, it tells you when to breathe, when to speak and how to react to the world around you. Trillions of peripheral nerves constantly send information back to the brain and spinal cord, which process it and prompt the body to respond. But when signs of nerve damage appear, it’s a signal that something isn’t working as it should.
When the nervous system misfires, you may feel sensations you shouldn’t—or fail to register something you should. Tingling feet, unexplained painor burning your hand because you didn’t sense heat are all clues that your nerves aren’t communicating properly. These misfires are often the result of nerve damage.
Data from Queensland suggests that neuropathy affects 10.2% to 85% of individuals living, depending on the population studied. This occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. The most common causes include diabetes, genetic conditions, repetitive motion and Lyme disease, says plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Andrew Elkwood. Other factors can be injuries, infections, autoimmune conditions, vitamin deficiencies and some medications.
Nerve damage usually develops gradually, notes neurologist Dr Isha Gupta. That means recognising the early signs can help prevent it from getting worse. Here are some subtle symptoms to watch for, according to experts. See your doctor if you notice any of these changes.
Signs of nerve damage
Numbness, tinglingor burning
A common early sign of nerve damage is a sensation of numbness, tingling or burning, according to the National Library of Medicine. This discomfort often starts in the hands and feet before spreading to the arms and legs. “Compression of sensory nerves (often while sleeping) is relatively common and symptoms such as numbness or tingling can be temporary,” says Dr Gupta. But if that pins-and-needles feeling lingers or worsens, it may be linked to nerve damage.
Injuries
Sensory nerves are designed to signal danger to the brain. When they fail to work properly, the risk of accidents and injuries increases. For example, you may sustain a burn or cut without realising something was hot, sharp or unsafe. “If this happens, it’s important to see your doctor for further assessment,” explains neurologist Dr R Glenn Smith.
Trouble moving
Damage to motor nerves can cause muscles to feel weak or, in some cases, paralysed. “This can make it hard—or even impossible—to move certain parts of the body,” says Dr Smith. If weakness occurs suddenly, it may be a sign of stroke and requires immediate emergency care. If the weakness develops gradually, consult your doctor to investigate possible nerve damage.
Lower back pain
Sharp pain in the lower back that radiates down one leg may signal sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated. This major nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down the legs. Sciatica can result from herniated discs, injuries, diabetesor other underlying health conditions. Persistent or severe pain should be assessed by a health professional.
Clumsiness
If you find yourself stumbling or falling more often than usual, nerve damage could be a factor. “When large nerves affecting sensation are damaged, lack of coordination and difficulty sensing body position can lead to falls,” says Dr Smith. For example, numbness in the feet can reduce awareness of where they’re landing, increasing the risk of tripping.
Frequent urination
Nerve damage can also interfere with bladder control. Damaged nerves may send faulty signals that increase urgency, frequencyor difficulty holding on until you reach a bathroom. In some cases, the opposite occurs—trouble emptying the bladder or recognising when it’s full. Any changes in bladder habits that persist should be discussed with a GP, as they may indicate nerve involvement or another underlying condition.
Sudden head pain
Brief, intense headaches that feel like electric shocks may point to occipital neuralgia. This condition occurs when one of the greater occipital nerves, which run on either side of the head, becomes compressed or irritated. The result can be sudden, shooting or tingling pain that radiates through the scalp. Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as migraines, it’s important to have them checked by a GP or neurologist.
Unusual sweat
The nervous system controls automatic processes such as sweating. If the nerves that connect the brain to the sweat glands are damaged, you may sweat excessively or barely at all. Both can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to overheating or unexpected chills. Changes in sweating patterns, especially when they come on suddenly or without clear cause, can be a sign of underlying nerve dysfunction.
Newsletter
