The generic term nervous diseases describes a variety of diseases that affect the nervous system or certain nerves in the body. These are mostly physical disturbances; However, psychological side effects can also occur. Nervous diseases often cannot be cured.
What are nerve diseases?
The collective term “nervous diseases” is used by physicians to understand numerous diseases that can be of very different nature. They either attack the autonomic nervous system and thus lead to disorders or affect the nerves of a very specific body region. See phonecations for All You Need to Know About Hyperlexia.
The physical symptoms of the disease can be as varied as the causes. They range from tingling and numbness in the limbs to paralysis or severe pain.
Mental disorders such as anxiety or panic attacks can also occur as a result of nervous disorders. Some nervous disorders are temporary and go away on their own; others, on the other hand, can only be treated with difficulty or not at all and can even lead to the death of the patient.
Causes
Nerve disorders can be caused by many different diseases and conditions. A simple wrong movement, for example, can lead to a pinched nerve, which temporarily causes severe pain and restricted movement.
A lack of blood circulation, which can be attributed to external or internal causes such as narrowing of the blood vessels, causes tingling and numbness in the arms or legs, for example. The well-known carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which a narrowing presses on the median nerve, causing pain and tingling.
Under certain circumstances, more serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis, a disorder in the central nervous system, or a stroke can also be behind the symptoms. These require urgent medical treatment as they can endanger the life of the person concerned.
Typical & common diseases
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- facial paralysis
- polyneuropathy
- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
Symptoms, Ailments & Signs
The symptoms of nerve disorders are largely dependent on the exact nature of the disorder. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome leads to impaired reception in the hand, while facial paralysis means facial paralysis.
Overall, however, nerve diseases manifest themselves through abnormal sensations and motor problems. A tingling feeling in the feet or hands is particularly common. This symptom is at the beginning of many nervous diseases. Entire extremities can also be affected. Sensitivity to touch, burning pain, and a feeling of unsteadiness when walking are common later. There is a feeling of swelling or constriction. The extremities can also feel like this, so they are not part of the body.
Numbness or discomfort can also occur. The numbness can turn into complete numbness in individual parts of the body. The abnormal sensations include, for example, the perception of heat and cold for no reason, as well as sudden pain stimuli or a feeling of furryness. Overall, these discomforts are very diverse.
Muscle problems do occur. This can lead to cramps, a lack of tension, twitching or muscle atrophy. All of these symptoms severely limit the motor skills of those affected. The other symptoms depend on the course of the underlying disease. Not all symptoms always appear.
Diagnosis & History
If a nerve disorder is suspected, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause. In addition to a comprehensive discussion with the patient, the physician will examine the affected body regions neurologically and test, for example, the sensitivity to pain, the sensation of pressure and temperature as well as the muscle reflexes.
A blood test and imaging diagnostic techniques can also provide information about the cause of the symptoms. A simple pinched nerve or poor blood flow caused by one-sided strain or clothing that is too tight can go away on its own without treatment.
Other diseases require medical therapy, otherwise the symptoms can get worse and significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected. Some diseases can even result in the death of the patient.
Complications
Nerve disorders can cause many different symptoms and complications. In the worst case, however, these diseases lead to paralysis or other sensory disorders. The quality of life of those affected is thus significantly reduced due to the nervous disorders and everyday life is restricted. In many cases, those affected are then also dependent on the help of other people in their lives and can no longer carry out many everyday things on their own.
Nervous disorders do not always lead to a positive course of the disease. If the nerves have been irreversibly damaged, the person affected has to live with these restrictions for the rest of their lives. Nervous disorders can also lead to psychological problems or depression. In some cases, patients also have suicidal thoughts.
It cannot be universally predicted whether a treatment is possible for the respective disease. The further course depends very much on the underlying disease itself. Complications usually do not arise during treatment. With the help of various therapies and a healthy lifestyle, the nervous disorders can possibly be limited.
When should you go to the doctor?
Nervous disorders can arise on an emotional as well as on a physical level. A doctor should be consulted in the case of impairments in both areas, since they each have a strong influence on the lifestyle of the person concerned. If symptoms occur suddenly, remain unchanged for a long time or increase in intensity, we recommend that you seek clarification from a doctor.
If you experience numbness, sensitivity disorders or unpleasant sensations on the skin when touched, you should consult a doctor. If functional disorders occur, if everyday obligations can no longer be fulfilled or if the general stress limit of the person concerned drops, it is advisable to consult a doctor. A doctor is required if mobility is restricted, pain or pulling during movements.
If the person affected suffers from an increased emotional level of stress, fear, panic or inner restlessness, they need help. Disorders of concentration, reduced attention or loss of memory function should be presented to a doctor. In the event of behavioral problems, rapid mood swings, an aggressive appearance or a complete withdrawal, the symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. If the discomfort spreads further, triggers a reduction in well-being and quality of life and leads to irritability, a doctor’s visit is necessary.
Treatment & Therapy
If a nerve disease has been diagnosed, the doctor treating you will initiate appropriate therapy. The type of treatment depends largely on the individual cause on which the symptoms are based.
Some nervous diseases that occur as a result of minor traumatic effects do not necessarily require medical treatment. They will go away on their own if you take care of them. More serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis can be prevented from progressing rapidly by the doctor with drug therapy. In cooperation with speech therapists, physiotherapists and ergotherapists, the aim is usually to improve the patient’s quality of life.
However, complete healing cannot be achieved. Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated either by temporarily immobilizing the hand or by surgery. Drug therapy with painkillers is also advisable. In the event of a stroke, you have to react immediately and the pressure created in the brain has to be reduced, otherwise irreparable damage will occur. Left untreated, the stroke can lead to death. If it was recognized in time, extensive rehabilitation is then usually required.
Diabetes can also damage nerves. Diabetic neuropathy usually improves when the diabetes is treated and the patient’s blood pressure is permanently lowered. Anxiety disorders that involve nervous breakdowns require psychotherapy tailored to individual needs, which can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. This can also be supported with medication.
Outlook & Forecast
The prognosis for nerve diseases is highly dependent on the underlying cause of the health disorder. A pinched nerve usually causes temporary severe pain and limitations in mobility. The prospects of recovery are very favorable in these cases. The pinched nerve can often be released by appropriate compensatory movements or sufficient nerve supply. Within a short time, you will be free of symptoms.
There is also the prospect of recovery due to a simple treatment option. With a few medical manipulations, the nerve will be freed from its position by a doctor. Immediately after the treatment, there is already a significant alleviation of the symptoms and after a short time there is complete healing.
If the disease is severe, the prognosis worsens. A disorder in the central nervous system can have a chronic course. An alleviation of the existing irregularities in these patients is only possible with long-term drug therapy. Complete freedom from symptoms is usually not achieved. In addition, there is an increase in health impairments as soon as the treatment is interrupted. In some cases there is an urgent need for action, as otherwise life would be endangered. If there is a circulatory disorder, it can become life-threatening if left untreated and thus threaten the premature death of the person concerned.
Prevention
Nerve diseases can be actively prevented in some cases. Since the living conditions of the individual in particular have an influence on the development of various diseases, a healthy lifestyle is recommended in any case.
A balanced diet with sufficient exercise avoids obesity and any associated diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The moderate consumption of alcohol and other stimulants can prevent the development of sensory disturbances and other symptoms.
If numbness, tingling or pain occur more frequently, a doctor should be consulted urgently. He can find out the cause of the symptoms and rule out a serious illness or initiate suitable therapy.
Aftercare
In most cases, the measures and options for aftercare in the case of nerve diseases are significantly limited or are not even available to the person concerned. For this reason, the affected person should consult a doctor at an early stage in order to prevent the occurrence of other symptoms or complications. No general prediction can be made about the further course of the disease, although in some cases the life expectancy of the patient is significantly restricted and reduced by the nervous diseases.
However, early diagnosis has a positive effect on the further course of this disease. Patients are often dependent on taking different medications. Regular intake and the right dosage must always be observed in order to permanently limit the symptoms.
In the event of side effects or questions, a doctor should always be consulted first. The help and support of one’s own family is often very important in the case of nerve disorders. This prevents or alleviates depression and other mental upsets. In general, a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet can also have a positive effect on the symptoms of this disease.
You can do that yourself
Numerous nervous diseases can be positively influenced by changing one’s own behavior. This can mean that the cause of a nerve disease can be eliminated or its effects reduced. This can be achieved through general stabilizing effects for healthy nerves through a balanced diet and sufficient exercise.
Relaxing music at an appropriate volume is also a helpful companion. Opportunities to laugh should not be the exception. In individual cases, limiting or avoiding stimulants such as alcohol or tobacco may be appropriate. Discontinuing certain medications could also be a behavior change. Targeted additional measures to improve everyday symptoms associated with nervous disorders depend on the individual clinical picture.
In self-help groups, a helpful exchange of information about concrete recommendations for behavior in everyday life is possible. Contrast showers or saunas can reduce tingling caused by nervous disorders. If excessive stress at work is the reason for a nervous disorder, the possibility of a change should not be taboo. Relaxation exercises can improve stress stability.
A hobby can also serve as a relaxing balance to everyday stress. A sleep-promoting everyday behavior ensures the necessary regeneration through the night sleep. A more relaxed, positive attitude to life also has a beneficial effect on nervous disorders. Your own daily planning should be created without deadline pressure. In order to protect yourself from being overwhelmed in everyday life, practical exercises help you to say “no” once in a while.
