Nerve weakness is often a symptom of a broader condition, rather than a condition itself. Several terms describe conditions resulting in nerve weakness, depending on the cause and location of the nerve damage.
Types of Nerve Weakness
-
Peripheral Neuropathy: This is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It frequently causes weakness, numbness, and pain, most commonly in the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect other body systems including digestion and urination. Mayo Clinic and NHS provide detailed information on this condition. A specific type of peripheral neuropathy is diabetic polyneuropathy, which is associated with diabetes.
-
Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Damage to peripheral nerves can stem from various causes, resulting in symptoms including nerve weakness. Prompt medical attention is crucial for peripheral nerve injuries. Mayo Clinic details the symptoms and causes.
-
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This rare neurological disorder involves the immune system mistakenly attacking nerve cells, causing tingling, muscle weakness, loss of balance, and even paralysis. MedlinePlus and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) offer comprehensive information on GBS.
-
Neuropathy: This is a general term referring to nerve damage that causes pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in parts of the body. Many types of neuropathy exist, depending on the affected nerves and the cause of the damage. healthdirect explains neuropathy and its various forms. Neuropathic pain is pain caused by nerve damage.
-
Femoral Nerve Dysfunction: This specifically relates to damage to the femoral nerve, impacting the function of muscles in the thigh and leg, leading to weakness. MedlinePlus provides information about this condition.
-
Bell's Palsy: This affects the facial nerve, causing weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face. Penn Medicine offers more details about Bell's palsy.
Diagnosing the underlying cause of nerve weakness is crucial for appropriate treatment. Tests like nerve conduction studies can help assess nerve damage. Johns Hopkins Medicine describes these studies.
