Sensory Nervous System Disorders

The sensory nervous system is a major component of the body's overall nervous system function. It's a highly complex network of nerves, muscles and organs designed to delivery sensory input to the spinal cord and brain. Because of its complexity, diagnosing a disorder within this system can be a lengthy process.

Identification

• The human body's central nervous system is made up of two subsystems --the peripheral system and the autonomic system. The brain and spinal cord are the components of the autonomic portion. The peripheral portion is made up of motor, sensory, autonomic and somatic systems. Sensory nervous system structures run along the skin in the form of receptors, in the muscles and other organs. Organs related to sight, sound and taste are also a part of this system. A disorder can develop within any one of these areas, and can affect other areas of the body as well.

Causes

• Disorders can develop in the sensory nervous system when an injury occurs, when blood flow to a particular area is hampered, or as the result of a disease. Blood flow impairment can occur because of a tumor, a genetic defect, or a condition which causes the blood to clog, or clot inside blood vessels. Nutritional deficiencies, or metabolic imbalances can also work to alter the chemical make-up of the blood. Trauma related disorders may result from a blow to an area of the body where nerve damage is caused. Sensory receptors can also become damaged when an infection is present, or when nerve endings begin to deteriorate.

Warning Signs

• With so many different areas of the body involved in the sensory nervous system, symptoms of a disorder can vary depending on the area involved. Tingling sensations, or numbness along the arm or leg are possible. Sudden vision loss may also indicate some sort of sensory receptor damage is present. Individuals who experience a type of back pain that radiates out into other areas of the body may have a pinched nerve that can develop into a nerve disorder. It's essential to consult with a physician when any sudden change in the body's function or condition arises.

Types

• Sensory nervous system disorders can affect large areas of the body, or localized regions. Pain, tingling, weakness and numbness are usually present in affected areas. Polyneuropathies involve nerve damage that's occurred in the long peripheral nerves of the body. Distal symmetric sensory-motor polyneuropathy is a disorder that involves the nerves that run from the bottom of the spinal cord to the feet. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a localized condition that develops in the wrist area. Multiple mononeuropathy is a disorder in which inflammation destroys the small blood vessels in an area like the hand or the foot.

Diagnosis

• The complexity of the sensory nervous system can make it difficult to diagnose a specific disorder. Symptoms related to one disorder may be similar to another disorder but appear in a different combination. Injury-related conditions make it possible to identify the cause, however this is not always the case when no identifiable injury is present. As a result, individuals may undergo a series of examinations and tests in order to identify a disorder and determine the best treatment approach. Diagnostic procedures may include CAT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. CAT and MRI scans provide a visual image of the affected area, while PET scans measure the metabolic activity within the cells.