Before we begin: Peripheral nerves are nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Learn.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about peripheral nerve disorders. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What are peripheral nerves? Nerves are like wires that carry messages back and forth between your brain and your body. Your peripheral nerves branch off from your brain and spinal cord and connect to all parts of your body, including your muscles and organs. Peripheral nerves carry messages from your brain that control your movement, breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and more. They also carry messages from your body to your brain, so you can feel things, such as pain, heat, and cold.
What are peripheral nerve disorders? Peripheral nerve disorders happen when one or more peripheral nerves are damaged. Damaged nerves may not carry messages correctly, or they may not work at all. As a result, you may have pain, trouble walking, or a variety of other problems, depending on which nerves are involved.
Peripheral nerve disorders are very common. There are more than 100 different types.
What causes peripheral nerve disorders? Many things can damage nerves and lead to peripheral nerve disorders:
Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral nerve disorders. Most people with diabetes will develop diabetic nerve problems.
Physical injury (trauma) that stretches, crushes, squeezes, cuts, or puts pressure on one or more nerves. Some examples of peripheral nerve disorders from physical injury include complex regional pain syndrome and brachial plexus injuries.
Health conditions, including:
Certain cancers and their treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy).
Infections, such as HIV and Lyme disease.
Problems with blood or blood vessels.
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Kidney or liver disease.
Certain medicines.
Contact with certain toxic substances, such as lead or mercury.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and smoking.
Vitamin imbalances, especially a lack of vitamin B12.
Your genes, including changes in your genes or conditions that you inherit from your parents, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
In certain cases, the cause of peripheral nerve disorder is not known.
What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders? The symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders depend on which nerves are affected, what is causing the damage, and how serious it is:
Types of nerves
Possible symptoms of nerve damage
Motor nerves control your muscles and all your movement, such as walking, talking, and using your hands.
Weak or aching muscles
Problems with balance, walking, or using your arms and hands
Cramps or twitching muscles
Muscle shrinking
Sensory nerves carry messages to your brain from your senses, including touch, hot and cold, and pain.
Tingling, numbness, or pain often in the hands and feet
Not being able to feel heat, cold, or pain, such as a cut on your foot
Pain from even light touch
Autonomic nerves send messages to your organs to control breathing, digestion, and other body functions that happen without thinking about them.
A heartbeat that’s too fast or too slow
Trouble swallowing
Sweating too much or too little
Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Problems with urination or sexual function
Symptoms may range from mild to very strong. They may develop quickly over days or slowly over months and years. But they are rarely life-threatening.
How are peripheral nerve disorders diagnosed? To find out if you have a peripheral nerve disorder, your provider will:
Ask about your medical history
Ask about your family health history
Do a physical exam
Order tests, which may include:
Blood tests
Genetic tests
Nerve tests that measure:
Electrical activity in your nerves and muscles
How well your autonomic nerves are working
A biopsy of nerve or skin tissue
CT or MRI scan to see what may be pressing on your nerves
What are the treatments for peripheral nerve disorders? It’s important to treat any conditions that are causing nerve damage. In certain cases, that will allow your nerves to heal over time.
Treatment for symptoms depends on the type of peripheral nerve disorder you have, where it is, and how severe. Treatment options include:
Braces or splints
Over-the-counter patches and skin creams
Prescription medicines
Non-drug pain management, such as electrical stimulation or relaxation therapy
Surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve
Can peripheral nerve disorders be prevented? You can help prevent peripheral nerve disorders by:
Managing health conditions that may cause nerve damage, especially diabetes
Preventing falls and accidents
Avoiding toxic substances
Being careful to avoid repeated motions and body positions that press on your nerves
Eating a balanced diet, exercising, limiting alcohol, and not smoking
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Also known as: Neuritis, Peripheral neuritis, Peripheral neuropathy.
Related topics: Neuropathy.
Categories: Brain and Nerves.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Key Takeaways
Understanding peripheral nerve disorders is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.