The nervous system is divided into two sub-systems: the central nervous system, or CNS, which consists of the brain and spinal cord; and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS, which contains the nerves in all other tissues throughout the body. Nerves in the PNS transmit nerve signals from the brain to the muscles of the body, allowing for body functioning and locomotion. Progressive nerve damage can prove debilitating or even fatal, and may occur for a number of reasons.
Diabetes
One possible cause of peripheral nerve damage is poorly controlled diabetes. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse estimates that up to 70 percent of diabetes patients suffer from some form of peripheral nerve damage, with the risk of nerve damage increasing with age and an increased duration of diabetes. Patients with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, such as those who do not monitor their diet or take insulin regularly, are at the highest risk of developing nerve damage as a result of their disease. Diabetic patients with peripheral nerve damage may not develop symptoms at first, but may eventually suffer from unexplained pain, tingling, poor muscle control, weakness and sexual dysfunction.
Lupus
Another possible cause of peripheral nerve damage is an auto-immune disorder, such as lupus. Patients with lupus have a hyperactive immune system, and the immune cells begin to attack healthy tissues and cells within the body, including the peripheral and central nervous system. The Hospital for Special Surgery indicates that as many as 90 percent of lupus patients suffer from some form of nervous system damage, with 10 percent suffering noticeable peripheral nervous system damage. Patients with lupus may develop weakness in the extremities, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet or chronic unexplained pain. In some cases, these symptoms may be treated with medication, such as analgesic medication to ease pain.
Cancer Chemotherapy
Some peripheral nerve damage may develop as a result of aggressive drug treatment, such as cancer chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs travel throughout the body and actively attack cancer cells, fighting disease. These drugs also typically harm healthy tissues in the body, and some patients receiving chemotherapy may suffer from nerve degeneration after treatment. According to ChemoCare.com, patients with pre-existing conditions before chemotherapy, such as diabetes, alcoholism or malnutrition, are at the highest risk for peripheral nerve degeneration after treatment. Patients who develop nerve damage due to chemotherapy may develop tingling in the hands and feet, constipation and have difficulty performing tasks like buttoning buttons.
