What Is Neuropathy and What Causes It?

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What Is Neuropathy and What Causes It?
August 5, 2025 by admin

When the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, it leads to a condition called neuropathy. Nerve damage can affect how your body sends messages like causing pain, tingling, numbness and sometimes weakness in muscles. Neuropathy is not a disease, but a result of many other things that are happening. Knowing the reasons for and symptoms of neuropathy are helpful steps toward managing and treating neuropathy.

 

Understanding the Nervous System

Your body has a complicated system of nerves, which include:

  • Sensory nerves carry signals from your body to your brain (such as pain or touch).
  • Motor nervescarry signals from your brain to your muscles.
  • Autonomic nervescontrol actions that you do not think about, such as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure.

Neuropathy can affect any of these areas, resulting in a variety of symptoms.

 

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

People with neuropathy do not all experience it in the same way. Indicators may be different according to the area of nerve damage or nerve function and the extent of injury that has occurred.

Symptoms of neuropathy vary considerably, depending on the degree or amount and type of nerve damage, but many patients report having sharp, burning or stabbing pain, in addition to tingling or “pins and needles” sensations. Other symptoms may include muscle weakness, trouble with coordination, extreme sensitivity to touch or digestive and bladder complications.

 

What Causes Neuropathy?

There are many causes of nerve damage and typically, neuropathy is diagnosed based on a patient’s medical history as well as blood tests and nerve studies. 

Here are the most common triggers:

 

1. Diabetes

One of the major causes, diabetic neuropathy, typically affects the feet and legs. High blood sugar levels over time can greatly damage nerves.

 

2. Infections

Some viral and bacterial infections, such as shingles, HIV, Lyme disease, and hepatitis, can cause nerve inflammation and damage.

 

3. Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamins B1, B6, B12 and E are essential for nerve health. A deficiency in one of these vitamins can lead to decreased nerve function and ability to repair itself. 

 

4. Injury or Trauma

Nerve compression or damage can occur because of accidents and falls as well as repetitive strain from overuse, such as carpal tunnel. .

 

5. Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can mistakenly  attack nerves.

 

6. Alcoholism

As with the Vitamin deficiencies, poor nutrition usually occurs with chronic alcohol use, which can be toxic to nerves, leading to neuropathy, often with pain and muscle weakness. 

 

7. Medications and Toxins

Certain drugs such as chemotherapy can also lead to neuropathic symptoms, as can antibiotics or exposure to heavy metals. 

 

If you experience any unusual pain, numbness or weakness of muscle strength particularly if it is worsening , you should take it seriously. Early diagnosis and treatment can halt additional nerve damage and be more effective in managing symptoms.

Neuropathy is a more common condition than people may expect, and its causes can range from lifestyle changes to chronic diseases. While it can seem frustrating, it can be managed, if you start with the right diagnosis, expert care and long-term follow-up.

 If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of nerve damage, consulting a neurologist can make a huge difference. At Sugam Hospital, our top neurologist in Chennai can treat your condition like a human being and keep you on the right path towards recovery and regaining a pain free life.