The nervous system is highly interconnected and organizes, explains, and mobilizes interaction between you and your surroundings. It controls your sensations, voluntary and involuntary actions, and conscious thoughts. Neurological damage can thus be incapacitating and can hinder the body’s ability to communicate properly. Despite the threat that comes with it, Forest Hills advanced medical care comes in to rescue such damages. Below are some common causes of neurological damage you should know.
- Infections
Infections resulting from meningitis, polio, epidural abscess, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and herpes virus can damage your nerves, causing inflammation that gradually interferes with the body’s immunity. You may experience loss of sensation around the affected area, along with other symptoms. If the infections are chronic, they are gradual and fatal.
- Autoimmune Diseases
Some of the autoimmune diseases that can cause severe nerve damage include Lupus, multiple sclerosis, Guillain–Barre syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. These diseases cause the body to mount an immune response against the nerves, hence damaging them. This results in weak sensations or complete loss of sensation in the affected area.
- Trauma
Car accidents and falls can cause injuries to the spine or head, crushing, stretching, or cutting the nerves in the areas. You may experience weak or no sensation in the affected areas. Other instances that may result in trauma or compressed nerves include surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs, and bone spurs.
- Toxins or Drugs
Extensive use of certain drugs, such as HIV medications and harsh chemotherapy sessions, increases your risk of developing nerve disorders. Excess alcohol abuse has also been linked to weakened nerve problems. Additionally, accidental ingestion or exposure to toxins such as mercury, arsenic, and lead can lead to nerve damage. You will probably experience weakened or no sensation in the affected areas.
- Diabetes
Diabetes has been associated with escalating nerve damage issues. Diabetes causes the swelling of the sensory nerves, making them compress against the blood vessels. This results in loss or weak sensations in the affected area. Additionally, even though rare, diabetes can also damage the autonomic and motor nerves, rendering them functionless.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Ideally, a couple of vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve nourishment. Deficiency in the vitamin causes problems with sensation and movement. Vitamin B6 deficiency can also cause nerve damage and pain. Nutritional deficiency of these vitamins can result from excessive alcohol use, poor nutrition, and medical conditions that hinder the absorption of vital nutrients.
The nervous system is an intricate network that is responsible for an array of functions in our bodies. This may include movement, swallowing, breathing, perception, and even memory. When something goes amiss in the system, it is possible to suffer neurological nerve damage. Some known causes of nerve damage include nutritional deficiencies, infections, autoimmune diseases, and toxins. As such, it is important to take care of our nerve health to ensure that our bodies maintain the optimum function of every organ.
