6. Nerve Compression: The Painful Pressure of Paget’s Disease
Nerve compression or pressure on the nerves is another symptom that can arise in Paget’s disease. This occurs when the affected, enlarged bones exert pressure on the nerves passing through or adjacent to them.
Nerve compression can manifest in several ways, depending on the nerves affected. For instance, if the nerves in the spine are compressed due to Paget’s disease affecting the vertebrae, it can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain that radiates down the arms or legs. If the disease affects the skull, pressure on the cranial nerves can lead to issues such as double vision or facial pain.
Nerve compression can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. It can also lead to more serious issues if not addressed, including permanent nerve damage. Therefore, individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and management.
The underlying cause of nerve compression in Paget’s disease is the overzealous bone remodeling that characterizes this condition. As the body replaces old bone with new bone at a rapid rate, the new bone may form in a haphazard manner, leading to enlargement or deformity. If this abnormal bone growth occurs near nerves, it can exert pressure on them, leading to nerve compression.
The symptoms of nerve compression can range from mild and sporadic to severe and constant. They typically include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area supplied by the affected nerve. Depending on the nerve’s location, these symptoms can affect various body parts, including the arms, legs, back, and face. (6)
