Causes of Peripheral Nerve Damage

Damage to your peripheral nerves is also called peripheral neuropathy or peripheral neuritis, and can affect the nerves that control your bodily functions and senses. Depending on the cause, the symptoms of peripheral nerve damage may be mild to severe, and may worsen over a number of years. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, the causes of peripheral nerve damage include chronic diseases and traumatic injuries.

Toxins

• If you are exposed to toxins like alcohol, nitrous oxide, lead, arsenic, mercury or industrial solvents, you may develop peripheral nerve damage.

Infections

• Infectious diseases including viral hepatitis, Lyme disease, HIV, leprosy and syphilis can cause peripheral nerve damage, especially in the late stages of these conditions.

Inflammation

• Chronic inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus can cause you to develop peripheral nerve damage that may become progressively worse, especially if these underlying causes are not under control.

Diseases

• Diseases that affect the circulation of blood--such as diabetes, kidney failure and vitamin or mineral deficiencies--may cause damage to your peripheral nerves as a result of a lack of blood flow.

Injuries

• If you sustained an injury from falling, an auto accident or trauma like an assault or gunshot wound, you may experience peripheral nerve damage as a result of the death of your nerve cells.

Environment

• Being exposed to very cold temperatures; immobilization due to surgery or being ill; and decreased blood flow from medical treatments such as a cast, splint or brace may cause peripheral nerve damage.