Nerves are the body's communication system. The brain uses nerves to send messages to the muscles, glands and organs, telling them what to do. The body sends messages back to the brain, communicating any unusual sensations or needs that must be addressed. Nerve damage can affect both what the body feels, and how it functions. The symptoms of nerve damage vary, depending on which nerve is affected and which organs it supplies.
Pain
Pain is the body's way of alerting the brain that something is amiss. Pain that travels along the length of a nerve is called neuralgia. Neuralgia can result because of numerous factors, including trauma, disease or irritation of a nerve due to exposure to drugs or toxic chemicals. A common sports injury, called a "burner" or "stinger" occurs when head or neck trauma injures the nerves of the neck and shoulder. Douglas B. McKeag, M.D., of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, says that this injury results in burning pain that shoots down the affected arm.
Muscle Weakness
Motor nerves are those that supply muscles. When a motor nerve becomes damaged, the corresponding muscle can be weakened, or in extreme cases, paralyzed. The ulnar nerve supplies the muscles of the hand and forearm. MedlinePlus notes that this nerve causes the electric shock-like twinge when the funny bone, or elbow, is bumped. Damage to the ulnar nerve can result in weakness of the muscles it supplies, so that the individual has difficulty grasping objects, moving their fingers or bending their hand or wrist.
The peroneal nerve, which supplies the muscles of the calf, foot and toes, can become damaged by acts so innocuous as wearing high heels or crossing the legs. Damage to the peroneal nerve can weaken muscles in such a way that gait becomes affected, causing the individual difficulty in walking.
Organ Dysfunction
The nervous system proves responsible for sending messages that regulate organ function. When a nerve becomes damaged it can cause an organ to react abnormally, or to stop working altogether. The precise symptoms that will result due to nerve damage depend on which organ is affected.
For example, the vagus nerve is also known as the 10th cranial nerve. It supplies the organs of the stomach and chest. When the vagus nerve becomes damaged, it disrupts the ability of the stomach to empty, causing food to stop moving through the digestive tract. This is a condition that the national Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse calls "gastroparesis." Gastroparesis results in heartburn, vomiting and abdominal bloating.
