Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD MHA
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you have been diagnosed with amyloidosis, you may notice some changes to your senses. When amyloidosis spreads throughout the body, it can affect how your nervous system carries information to the brain. Nerves are sensitive and delicate. When abnormal proteins build up, oftentimes there is a loss in sensations.
To understand how amyloidosis can impact the nervous system, first it is important to understand the system itself. In this overview, PatientsLikeMe will provide an explanation of how nerves function, and the symptoms that can come about because of damage.
Nervous System Explained
The nervous system is a complex network of cells and tissues that coordinate and regulate various bodily functions. These include sensory perception, movement, cognition, and autonomic control (such as heartbeat and digestion). The main function of this system is to send messages from parts of your body to your brain. Nerve cells, called neurons, carry electrical signals. Think of them as messages sent from your skin, organs, and muscles. These messages carry information about movement, changes in temperature, damage, and more.
- Central Nervous System (CNS): The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord. These serve as the control center for processing information and initiating responses. They oversee what we think and feel, how we remember, and how we move. The brain sends messages, which travel down the spine and are spread throughout the body by nerves.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): The PNS includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It connects the CNS to the rest of the body. There are three main divisions of the PNS: autonomic, sensory, and motor. Autonomic nerves control the automatic functions of the body you need to survive. These are processes you do not think about, like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Sensory nerves connect to the skin and pass information on touch, taste, sight and more. Motor nerves connect to muscles and control involuntary movement.
How Amyloidosis Affects the Nervous System
Amyloidosis can affect the nervous system in several ways. Primarily, it is through the buildup of amyloids in nerve fibers and around the nerves. These amyloid deposits disrupt the normal structure and function of nerves. Over time, this leads to nerve damage and dysfunction.
Symptoms
- Peripheral Neuropathy: One of the most common ways amyloidosis affects the nervous system is peripheral neuropathy. This is when damage to the peripheral nerves leads to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the extremities. Peripheral neuropathy can impair sensory perception and motor function. It affects balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
- Autonomic Dysfunction: When amyloids build up in the autonomic nervous system it can disrupt its normal functioning. This leads to a condition called autonomic dysfunction. This affects heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, bladder control, and temperature regulation. Common symptoms are dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, constipation, urinary incontinence, and abnormal sweating.
- Cognitive Impairment: In some cases, amyloidosis may affect the CNS, leading to cognitive impairment and neurological deficits. This can include difficulties with memory, attention, language, executive function, and overall processing. Severe cognitive impairment may significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.
- Motor Dysfunction: In addition to peripheral neuropathy, amyloidosis affecting the nervous system can lead to motor dysfunction. This leads to muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulties with movement and coordination. Impaired mobility and physical function affect daily living and overall independence.
- Psychiatric Symptoms: Some individuals with amyloidosis affecting the nervous system may experience psychiatric symptoms. Depression, anxiety, irritability, and personality changes are among the symptoms. These can have a profound impact on mental health and well-being. They require appropriate management and support.
Amyloidosis affecting the nervous system can have wide-ranging implications for overall health and functioning. Any time your central or peripheral nervous system are impacted, quick diagnosis and treatment is essential. Through early recognition there is a better chance of minimizing symptoms, preserving function, and improving quality of life.
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