Nerve Degeneration

The term “nerve degeneration” refers to the breakdown of nerve cells in the nervous system, either due to age or from the effects of a disease or injury. Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body, enabling us to move, think, feel and perform bodily functions. Therefore, any damage to these cells can have serious consequences. In general, nerve degeneration can be caused by either direct injury or from a disease process. Direct injury to the nerves can be due to trauma, infection or radiation damage. Diseases associated with nerve degeneration include multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diabetes, and some infectious diseases such as HIV. In the case of direct injury, the damage may be localized to one or more particular nerves, or it may extend to the whole nervous system. Depending on the cause of the injury, symptoms can range from weakness and numbness in the extremities to paralysis or even death. When nerve degeneration is caused by a disease, it may involve the gradual death of neurons. This is usually the case with illnesses like ALS and multiple sclerosis. As these diseases develop, more and more neurons die off, causing widespread nerve damage throughout the body. The symptoms of neurological degeneration depend on the type of disease present and the severity of the damage, but may include difficulty speaking, walking, and using the hands or feet. No matter the underlying cause of nerve degeneration, it is a serious medical condition that often requires intensive treatment. In some cases, drugs and therapies can be used to slow the progression of nerve degeneration and even reverse some of its effects. However, in general, nerve degeneration is irreversible and will lead to permanent disabilities or complications. Although nerve degeneration, when caused by disease or injury, can be devastating, modern medicine has provided doctors and researchers with better tools for diagnosing and treating these conditions.