Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is damage done to the nerves that can cause a range of uncomfortable and painful symptoms, and is often caused by certain health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and its treatments, some autoimmune diseases, and even injuries. (1)


Types of nerve damage

There are several types, depending on the nerves affected and the reason for this, including: (1) (2)


  • Motor neuropathy: It results from damage to the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles and movement.
  • Sensory neuropathy: It results from damage to the sensory nerves responsible for the sensation of touch and pain.
  • Autonomic neuropathy: This type is more dangerous, because it affects the nerve cells that control involuntary functions in the body, such as breathing, heartbeat, bowel movement, and urination.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: It is caused by diabetes, and usually affects the nerves in the hands and feet, and may also affect the nerves that control the involuntary functions of the body.
  • Peripheral neuropathy it affects the nerves in the extremities, such as the feet, legs, hands, and arms.
  • Focal neuropathy: It affects only one nerve, examples of which include carpal tunnel syndrome and the seventh nerve (The facial nerve).
  • Polyneuropathy: It affects several nerves.


Symptoms of nerve damage

Symptoms of nerve damage vary greatly depending on the type of nerve affected and the extent of the damage, but generally include: (3)


  • Tingling or numbness especially in the extremities such as the hands and feet.
  • Neuralgia: the pain may be burning, like pinpricks, or resemble an electric shock. The pain may be mild or severe, even from light touches. These pains often get worse at night.
  • Loss of sensation: Touch, pain, heat, or cold, especially at the extremities.
  • Muscle weakness: such as a feeling of instability in the feet and legs, difficulty in unbuttoning a shirt, or frequent knocking of objects when carrying them.
  • Lack of balance and coordination when moving or walking.
  • Frequent muscle spasms or contractions.
  • Symptoms indicating damage to the autonomic nerves, Such as digestive problems, diarrhea or constipation, heart rhythm or blood pressure disturbances, urinary incontinence, excessive or decreased sweating, intolerance to light temperatures, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing in rare cases.


Consult a Doctor

A neurologist should be consulted as soon as possible if suffering from any of the previously mentioned symptoms, especially diabetics, in order to evaluate the cause of the problem, take quick action, and prevent further damage to the nerves and organs that control them. (2)




At Al-Ahli Hospital, we are proud to have a team of the best Neurologists with extensive experience in their field, and who have distinguished skills in diagnosing and treating various types of nerve damage.



Can nerve damage be treated?

There is no specific answer to this question, as it depends on the main causes and the amount of damage to the nerves. If the main cause is a disease that can be treated, this helps the nerves improve. In other cases, treatment focuses on relieving pain and discomfort and preventing further damage to the nerves. (5)


References