Knowing the symptoms of stress-induced neuropathy is key when it comes to providing appropriate and accurate care for this condition, which can greatly impact the quality of life of those living with it.
Stress-induced neuropathy
The term neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the nerves and may manifest through a wide variety of symptoms that affect both sensory and motor function.
Largely, this condition is associated with diseases such as diabetes or traumatic injuries, but to a lesser extent—though equally relevant—chronic stress is also involved.
Stress is a constant physiological and emotional factor, which means it can trigger or worsen neuropathy by affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Stress-induced neuropathy refers to a nervous system alteration triggered or aggravated by chronic or prolonged stress. Thus, stress acts as an indirect trigger by affecting the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions of the body such as breathing or digestion.
When a person has high stress levels, their body responds by releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, compounds that may cause:
- Chronic inflammation: affects peripheral nerves and hinders their normal function.
- Nerve ischemia: reduces blood flow to the nerves due to prolonged vasoconstriction.
- Overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system: leads to fatigue and nervous system exhaustion.
There are multiple symptoms of stress-induced neuropathy, but among the most common are neuropathic pain, muscle weakness, and extreme sensitivity.
Generally, stress-induced neuropathy symptoms tend to begin mildly, but if stress is prolonged, the neuropathy may progress and cause significant discomfort.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is a painful sensation that originates from damage or dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous system. Unlike nociceptive pain, which occurs when there is an injury to tissues such as a burn or a cut, neuropathic pain arises without an apparent cause or with a response disproportionate to the stimulus, and it can lead to chronic pain.
This condition is complex and is often described as constant or intermittent burning, a sensation of electric shocks or pricking, tingling, numbness, or extreme sensitivity.
This type of pain occurs when the nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals to the brain, send incorrect messages, even without a real stimulus.
Chronic stress, by increasing cortisol levels, causes a prolonged inflammatory response, which in turn can exacerbate nerve dysfunctions, leading to intensified neuropathic symptoms.
Peripheral neuropathy caused by stress
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves of the peripheral nervous system are damaged or irritated, and this condition can be worsened by chronic stress, which directly impacts the immune and circulatory systems, resulting in progressive damage to nerve fibers.
Stress-induced peripheral neuropathy is characterized by damage to sensory nerves, causing abnormal sensations such as tingling, burning, or numbness; it may also manifest as muscle weakness, spasms, or loss of control over certain movements.
In some cases, autonomic nerves may be affected, which can lead to sweating dysfunction, digestive issues, and changes in blood pressure.
Chronic stress is a condition that not only affects mental health, but is also related to the physiological balance of the body, making peripheral nerves particularly vulnerable to the prolonged effects of stress, as a result of hormonal imbalances, systemic inflammation, and impaired blood circulation.
Identifying the symptoms of stress-induced neuropathy is essential to treat this chronic condition in a timely and comprehensive manner, with treatments that include stress management, inflammation control, and rehabilitation therapies when necessary.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Neurological Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
MedlinePlus, Cancer.gov, Scielo
