The generic term nerve disorders describes a variety of diseases that affect the nervous system or even specific nerves in the body. In most cases, these are physical disorders; however, there may also be accompanying psychological symptoms. Nerve diseases often cannot be cured.
What are nerve disorders?
Graphic representation of the anatomy of the hand, carpal tunnel, median nerve, and carpal ligament. Under the collective term “nerve diseases”, physicians understand numerous diseases that can be quite different in nature. They either affect the autonomic nervous system and thus lead to disorders or affect the nerves of a very specific region of the body. The physical symptoms of the diseases can be as varied as the causes. They range from tingling and numbness in the limbs, for example, to paralysis or severe pain. Mental disorders such as anxiety or panic attacks can also occur as a result of nerve disorders. Some nerve diseases occur only temporarily and subside on their own; others are difficult or impossible to treat and can even lead to the patient’s death.
Causes
The causes of nerve disorders can lie in numerous different diseases and conditions. For example, a simple wrong movement can cause a pinched nerve, leading to temporary severe pain and restricted movement. A lack of blood flow, which can be attributed to external or internal causes such as a constriction of the blood vessels, results in tingling and numbness of the arms or legs, for example. The well-known carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which a narrowing presses on the metacarpal nerve, causing pain and tingling. Under certain circumstances, however, more serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis, a disorder in the central nervous system, or even a stroke can be behind the symptoms. These require urgent medical treatment, as they can endanger the life of the affected person.
Typical and common disorders
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Facial paresis
- Polyneuropathy
- Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms, complaints and signs
The symptoms associated with nerve disorders are largely dependent on the exact nature of the condition. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome leads to sensory disturbances in the hand, while facial paresis means facial paralysis. On the whole, however, nerve disorders are manifested by insensations and motor problems. A tingling sensation in the feet or hands is particularly common. This symptom is at the beginning of many nerve diseases. The whole extremities can also be affected. Sensitivity to touch, burning pain and a feeling of unsteadiness when walking often occur later. The feeling of swelling or being constricted occurs. The extremities may also feel as if they are not part of the body. However, there may also be numbness or insensitivity. Numbness may progress to complete lack of sensation in individual parts of the body. For example, the insensations include the sensation of warmth and cold for no reason, as well as sudden painful stimuli or a feeling of furiness. Overall, these insensations are very varied. Problems with the muscles do occur. Thus, cramps, lack of tension, twitching or muscular atrophy may occur. All these symptoms considerably limit the motor function of the affected person. The other symptoms depend on the course of the underlying disease. Not all symptoms always occur.
Diagnosis and course
If a nerve disease is suspected, a physician should be consulted to clarify the cause. In addition to a comprehensive discussion with the patient, the physician will neurologically examine the affected areas of the body, testing such things as pain sensitivity, pressure sensation and temperature sensation, as well as muscle reflexes. A blood test and diagnostic imaging techniques may also provide information about the cause of the symptoms. A simple pinched nerve or a lack of blood flow caused by one-sided strain or too tight clothing may also resolve on its own without treatment.Other diseases require mandatory medical therapy, otherwise the symptoms can worsen and significantly reduce the quality of life of the affected person. Some diseases can even result in the death of the patient.
Complications
Many different symptoms and complications can occur with nerve disorders. However, in the worst cases, these diseases lead to paralysis or other disturbances in sensitivity. The quality of life of the affected person is thus considerably reduced due to the nerve diseases and everyday life is restricted. In many cases, those affected are then also dependent on the help of other people in their lives and can no longer perform many everyday tasks on their own. Not in every case of nerve disease does the disease progress positively. If the nerves have been irreversibly damaged, the affected person must live with these limitations for the rest of his or her life. Furthermore, nerve diseases can also lead to psychological complaints or depression. In some cases, patients also suffer from suicidal thoughts. It cannot be universally predicted whether treatment is possible for the respective disease. The further course of the disease thus depends very much on the underlying disease itself. Complications usually do not occur during treatment. With the help of variousr therapies and a healthy lifestyle, the nerve diseases can possibly be limited.
When should you see a doctor?
Nerve disorders can occur on an emotional as well as a physical level. A doctor should be consulted if both areas are affected, as each has a strong impact on the person’s lifestyle. If sudden complaints occur, if they remain unchanged over a longer period of time or if they increase in intensity, clarification by a doctor is recommended. In case of numbness, disturbances of sensitivity or unpleasant sensations on the skin when touched, a visit to the doctor should be made. If functional disturbances occur, everyday duties can no longer be fulfilled or the general stress limit of the affected person decreases, consultation with a physician is recommended. If there are limitations in mobility, pain or a pulling sensation during movements, a doctor is needed. If the affected person suffers on an emotional level from an increased stress experience, anxiety, panic or an inner restlessness, help is needed. Disturbances in concentration, decreased attention or loss of memory function should be presented to a physician. If there are behavioral problems, rapid fluctuations in mood, an aggressive demeanor, or complete withdrawal, the symptoms should be discussed with a physician. If the discomfort spreads further, triggers a reduction in well-being as well as quality of life, and leads to irritability, a visit to the doctor is necessary.
Treatment and therapy
If a nerve disorder has been diagnosed, the attending physician will initiate appropriate therapy. The type of treatment depends largely on the individual cause underlying the symptoms. Some nerve diseases that occur as a result of minor traumatic effects do not necessarily require medical treatment. They subside on their own with appropriate rest. More severe diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, can be prevented from progressing rapidly by the physician with drug therapy. In cooperation with speech therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, the aim is usually to improve the patient’s quality of life. However, a complete cure cannot be achieved. Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated either by temporary immobilization of the hand or by surgery. Accompanying drug therapy with painkillers is also advisable. In the event of a stroke, immediate action must be taken to relieve the pressure that has developed in the brain, otherwise irreparable damage will result. If left untreated, a stroke can lead to death. If it is detected in time, extensive rehabilitation is usually required afterwards. Damage to the nerves can also occur in the course of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy usually improves when the diabetes is treated and the patient’s blood pressure is permanently lowered.Anxiety disorders that involve nervous breakdown symptoms require psychotherapy tailored to individual needs, which can take place on an outpatient or inpatient basis. This can also be supported with medication.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for nerve disorders is highly dependent on the present cause of the health disorder. In the case of a pinched nerve, there is usually temporary severe pain and restriction of movement. The prospects for recovery are very favorable in these cases. Often the pinched nerve can be released by appropriate compensatory movements or adequate nerve supply. Within a short time, the patient is free of symptoms. There is also the prospect of recovery due to a simple treatment option. The nerve can be released from its position by a physician with a few medical procedures. Immediately after the treatment there is already a considerable alleviation of the symptoms and after a short time a complete healing. If the disease is severe, the prognosis worsens. A disorder in the central nervous system can have a chronic course. Relief of the existing irregularities in these patients is only possible in long-term drug therapy. Complete freedom from symptoms is usually not achieved. In addition, there is an increase in health impairments as soon as treatment is interrupted. In some cases, there is an urgent need for action, as otherwise life may be endangered. If a disturbance of blood flow is present, a life-threatening condition can develop in an untreated state, threatening the premature death of the affected person.
Prevention
Nerve disease can be actively prevented in some cases. Since, above all, the circumstances of the individual’s life also influence the development of various diseases, a healthy lifestyle is recommended in any case. A balanced diet with sufficient exercise prevents obesity and any associated diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Moderate consumption of alcohol and other stimulants can prevent the development of sensory disturbances and other symptoms. If numbness, tingling or pain occur more frequently, a doctor should be consulted urgently. This can find out the cause of the complaints and exclude a serious disease or initiate appropriate therapy.
Aftercare
In most cases, the measures and the possibilities of aftercare for nerve diseases are significantly limited or are not even available to the affected person in the process. For this reason, the affected person should consult a physician at an early stage to prevent the occurrence of other complaints or complications. No general prediction can be made about the further course of the disease, and in some cases the patient’s life expectancy is also significantly limited and reduced by the nerve diseases. However, early diagnosis has a positive effect on the further course of this disease. Patients are often dependent on taking various medications. Regular use and the correct dosage must always be observed in order to permanently limit the symptoms. In case of side effects or questions, a doctor should always be consulted first. Often, the help and support of one’s own family is also very important in the case of nervous disorders. This prevents or alleviates depression and other psychological upsets. In general, a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet can also have a positive effect on the symptoms of this disease.
This is what you can do yourself
Numerous nerve disorders can be positively influenced by changing one’s own behavior. This may mean that the cause of a nerve disease can thereby be eliminated or reduced in its impact. This can be done by generally stabilizing effects for healthy nerves through a balanced diet and sufficient exercise. Relaxing music at an appropriate volume is also a helpful companion. Opportunities to laugh should not remain exceptions. In individual cases, a restriction or avoidance of stimulants such as alcohol or tobacco may be appropriate.The omission of certain medications could also be considered as a change in behavior. Targeted additional measures to improve everyday symptoms of nerve disorders depend on the individual clinical picture. In self-help groups, a helpful exchange of information about specific behavioral recommendations in everyday life is possible. For example, alternating showers or taking a sauna can reduce tingling caused by nerve disorders. If excessive stress at work is the reason for a nerve disorder, the possibility of a change should not be tabooed. Relaxation exercises can improve stress stability. A hobby can also serve as a relaxing balance to everyday stress. A sleep-promoting everyday behavior ensures the necessary regeneration through night sleep. A more relaxed, positive attitude to life also has a beneficial effect on nervous disorders. One’s own daily schedule should be planned without deadline pressure. To protect oneself from excessive demands in everyday life, practical exercises are useful to also say “no” once in a while.
