There are millions of nerves in the human body and every nerve has its own function; however, the main function of a nerve is to carry signals to and from the brain to various parts of the body. Sometimes, as a result of some injury or an underlying medical condition, the nerve may not function the way they should. This tends to result in a variety of problems that an individual may have to deal with every single day.
Studies estimate that around 25 million people in the United States alone have problems with their nerves which in medical terms is called as neuropathy. It is imperative that nerve damage is identified early and treated to prevent any long-term complications. This article gives some clues as to how to know if you have nerve damage.
How Do You Know If You Have Nerve Damage?
Numbness and Tingling: The primary presenting feature of nerve damage is sensation of numbness, tingling, and burning radiating from the feet upwards towards the hands. This sensation may come and go. However, if this sensation does not go away on its own then it is recommended to get checked by a physician to identify its cause and get treated for it.
Problems with Movement: if an individual has nerve damage then it would be difficult for him to move the affected area. There may be complete or partial paralysis of the area. If this is the case, then it is highly recommended that the individual go to the nearest emergency room to get evaluated for probable nerve damage.
Radiating Pain Down Leg: An individual with nerve damage will have radiating pain down one leg. The pain may be constant, sharp and will originate in the back and radiate down the back of the foot. This in medical terms is called sciatica.
Gait Difficulties: An individual with nerve damage will have problems walking. The individual may have frequent falling episodes. This is because of lack of coordination as a result of the nerve damage.
Frequent Urination: Bladder dysfunction is yet another feature which is prominent in individuals with nerve damage. The individual may also have urinary incontinence as a result of lack of sensation of going to the bathroom on time.
Headaches: An individual with nerve damage will also have frequent bouts of electric shock like headaches which will be extremely severe but will last only for seconds. This condition is called as occipital neuralgia which occurs due to a pinched nerve in the neck.
Hyperhidrosis/Hypohidrosis: An individual with nerve damage will also tend to sweat either too much or too little as a result of damage to the nerves serving the sweat glands.
Lack of Sensation: Another feature that is prominent in nerve damage is lack of sensation. Due to nerve damage the individual may not be able to feel things which may result in accidents like touching a hot utensil and getting burned due to lack of sensation caused by nerve damage.
Also Read:
- Nerve Damage: Overview, Classification & Types, Nerve Repair Process, Non Surgical & Surgical Treatment, Nerve Allograft, Recovery
- What is Inner Ear Nerve Damage, Know its Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
- What Causes Phrenic Nerve Damage & How is it Treated?
- What are the Causes of Nerve Damage in the Ear?
- What Are The Signs Of Sciatic Nerve Damage?
