Contents
From Nerves to Brain: What's Behind Your Sensory Loss?
Published: Sep 07, 2023
Sensory loss can stem from various parts of your nervous system. This article explores the different causes of sensory loss, from nerve damage to brain issues.
Peripheral Nerve Problems
Many cases of sensory loss start with issues in the peripheral nerves - the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Conditions like diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, and alcohol abuse can damage these nerves, leading to numbness and tingling. This type of damage often starts in the feet and hands, progressing upwards in a 'stocking-glove' pattern.
Spinal Cord Culprits
The spinal cord is like a highway for sensory information. Problems here can cause widespread sensory loss. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or tumors can interrupt this sensory highway. This often results in a clear 'level' of sensory loss below the point of damage.
Brain-Based Causes
Sensory loss can also originate in the brain. Strokes are a common cause, especially in the thalamus - the brain's sensory processing center. Other possibilities include brain tumors, multiple sclerosis lesions, or infections. Brain-based sensory loss often affects one side of the body and may come with other neurological symptoms.
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions
Sometimes, the body's own immune system can cause sensory loss. Conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) attack the protective coating of nerves. This can lead to rapidly progressing numbness and weakness, often starting in the legs and moving upwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress rarely directly causes sensory loss, but can worsen symptoms.
Not always; some causes are treatable or may improve with time.
Yes, certain medications, especially some chemotherapy drugs, can cause sensory loss.
Some forms of sensory loss have genetic causes, but many do not.
Yes, reduced blood flow can cause temporary numbness or tingling.
Knowledge is Key
Understanding the potential causes of sensory loss can help you have more informed discussions with your healthcare provider and guide appropriate testing and treatment.
References
- England JD, et al. Evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy: the role of laboratory and genetic testing (an evidence-based review). Muscle Nerve 2009; 39:116.
- Kuntzer T, Antoine JC, Steck AJ. Clinical features and pathophysiological basis of sensory neuronopathies (ganglionopathies). Muscle Nerve 2004; 30:255.
- Barohn RJ, Saperstein DS. Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Semin Neurol 1998; 18:49.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?