The nervous system is essential for the body's functions, and nerve damage can develop gradually without obvious warning signs.
According to Prevention, experts point to several subtle symptoms that may indicate nerve damage and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation
One of the early indicators of nerve damage can be numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation.
These symptoms often begin in the hands or feet and may later spread to the arms and legs.
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Persistent tingling
Temporary tingling can occur when a nerve is compressed, such as during sleep.
If the sensation continues and does not go away, it may be a sign of nerve damage.
More injuries than usual
Nerves help the body detect danger. When this function is impaired, a person may be more likely to suffer injuries without noticing them in time.
Burns without warning
People with nerve damage may be at risk of burns because they cannot properly sense heat.
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This can be an important sign that the sensory nerves are not functioning as they should.
Difficulty moving the body
Damage to motor nerves can lead to muscle weakness. This may make it harder to move certain parts of the body.
Increasing weakness
If muscle weakness gradually worsens over time, experts recommend speaking with a doctor about the possibility of nerve damage.
Lower back pain
Sharp pain in the lower back that radiates down one leg may be a symptom of problems involving the sciatic nerve.
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The sciatic nerve may be affected
When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or damaged, it can trigger pain that travels from the lower back down through the leg.
More clumsy than usual
Nerve damage can affect the body's ability to detect position and movement.
This may lead to reduced coordination.
More falls and stumbling
Reduced sensation in the feet can make it harder to feel the ground beneath you, increasing the risk of falls.
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Frequent urination
Damaged nerves can send incorrect signals to the bladder.
As a result, some people may experience a more frequent need to urinate.
Problems with bladder control
Some individuals may also have difficulty emptying the bladder or sensing when it is full.
Short, intense head pain
Sudden headaches that feel like electric shocks may be linked to a condition known as occipital neuralgia.
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Changes in sweat production
Nerve damage can affect the body's ability to regulate sweating.
This may result in either excessive or reduced sweating, as well as more frequent fluctuations in body temperature.
Source: Prevention.