Nerve weakness, also known as neuropathy, occurs when nerves are damaged. This damage can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, pain, and tingling. The symptoms typically affect the hands and feet, but can also affect other areas of the body.
Nerve weakness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Disease: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and lupus can weaken the nervous system.
- Injury: Trauma to a nerve can cause damage, leading to weakness.
- Infection: Some infections, such as Lyme disease, can damage nerves.
- Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, can attack the nervous system.
Examples of conditions that can cause nerve weakness include:
- Peripheral neuropathy: This is the most common type of nerve weakness. It affects the nerves in the arms and legs.
- Bell's palsy: This condition affects the facial nerve, causing paralysis or weakness on one side of the face.
- Sixth nerve palsy: This condition affects the nerve that controls eye movement, causing difficulty looking sideways.
If you are experiencing nerve weakness, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will vary depending on the cause, but may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
