Nerve damage can have a major impact on a person’s daily life, but the early symptoms – such as tingling, numbness, or unexplained weakness – are often subtle and easy to overlook. In this blog, we identify the most common early first signs of nerve damage and advise you on the next steps you should take if you’re experiencing anything that we’ve listed below.
Nerve damage can occur for many medical reasons, but if you’ve recently had surgery or another invasive medical procedure, there is a chance that medical negligence could be the cause. If this is the case, you may be able to make a nerve injury negligence claim (we’ll cover this later in this blog, too).
Let’s take a closer look at what the first signs of nerve damage are, to help you recognise and seek treatment as early as possible.
What are the first signs of nerve damage?
While symptoms can vary depending on which nerve is affected and how severe the damage is, there are a few common early signs of nerve damage that you should look out for:
- Numbness or tingling: This is sometimes described as a ‘pins and needles’ sensation and is most common in the hands and feet. It may come and go at first, but can become more persistent as the nerve struggles to send signals properly.
- Weakness: Your muscles may feel weaker than usual, especially in your arms or legs. This could result in struggling with everyday tasks like gripping objects or climbing stairs.
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain: Nerve pain often differs from typical aches. It might feel like a sudden stabbing, burning, or electric shock-like feeling.
- Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes: Some people experience heightened sensitivity, which means light touch or small temperature changes can feel uncomfortable or even painful.
- Loss of coordination or balance: Nerve damage can affect how the body senses movement and position, leading to clumsiness, difficulty with fine motor skills, or feeling unsteady while walking.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly or get worse over time, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Addressing potential nerve damage early can help limit the spread of nerve damage and prevent further complications.
What are the most common causes of nerve damage?
Nerve damage can occur for many reasons, and it’s important to remember that it isn’t always caused by medical negligence. Some common causes include:
- Diabetes: This is the most common cause of nerve damage. High blood sugar over time can damage nerves, particularly in the legs and feet.
- Autoimmune diseases: Diseases such as lupus, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack nerves.
- Physical trauma: Nerve injuries can be caused by accidents, repetitive stress, or errors made during surgery.
- Infections: Examples include shingles, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and leprosy.
- Genetic disorders: Some disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can be inherited and usually present earlier in life.
- Other diseases: Such as chronic kidney or liver disease.
In some cases, nerve damage may be the result of medical negligence. This is where a healthcare professional provides treatment that falls below the accepted standards, directly resulting in harm or injury to the patient. Nerve injuries can happen in many ways, but some of the most frequent cases include:
- Surgical injuries: Surgeons may accidentally nick or compress a nerve during surgery.
- Positioning during surgery: If the body or limbs are positioned poorly during long procedures, it can put pressure on nerves.
- Injections: Needles inserted in the wrong place can damage sensitive nerves.
- Childbirth injuries: Use of excessive force during delivery can cause conditions like Erb’s palsy in babies.
If you believe your nerve damage was caused by substandard medical care, you may be eligible to make a medical negligence claim. Get in touch with the Medical Law Partnership to find out more.
What should I do if I think I have nerve damage?
If you think you have nerve damage, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible and explain the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Early assessment can help manage symptoms effectively and reduce the risk of complications, such as ongoing pain and discomfort, muscle weakness, or difficulties with movement.
Your doctor may recommend carrying out tests to determine whether nerve damage is the reason for your symptoms – this may include blood tests, imaging scans, and neurological tests to identify the underlying cause. If your symptoms have appeared after surgery or another medical procedure, make sure to mention this to your doctor.
If it’s confirmed that you do have nerve damage, your doctor should also be able to diagnose the cause.
I believe that my nerve damage was caused by medical negligence – what should I do now?
If you believe your nerve damage may have been caused by substandard medical care, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A medical negligence solicitor can review your case, assess whether the care you received fell below the expected standard, and explain whether you may be entitled to make a nerve injury claim.
Before contacting a solicitor, it can also be helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, treatments you’ve received, and any medical appointments related to your condition. Medical records, discharge notes, and details about the procedure or treatment that may have caused the injury. But don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information to hand – our team will talk you through the process. Any information you do have will simply help build a clearer picture of what happened.
At the Medical Law Partnership, our experienced team can assess your case and guide you through the next steps. We’ll explain the claims process, answer any questions you may have, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to if negligence is found.Start your claim online today or request a callback to discuss your case with a member of our team at a time that’s convenient for you.