Does chemotherapy affect your nerves?

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Q: Does chemotherapy affect your nerves?

A: Chemotherapy and biologic therapy can affect the central nervous system as well as nerves in your fingers and toes (peripheral nervous system). Nerve cells may be irritated or damaged during chemotherapy or biologic therapy. This can produce everything from mild confusion or forgetfulness, lack of concentration, and dizziness to more serious behavior changes. Altering the amount of medication or treating other contributing factors (such as dehydration) usually improves these symptoms.

Other nervous system problems that may arise from chemotherapy include numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. If your hands and feet feel numb or tingly, let your doctor know right away. A medication change may be indicated because peripheral neuropathy can become a long-term condition if not addressed quickly.

Cancer therapy can also affect your “nerves” as it relates to your emotional response to treatment; in other words, you may find that you experience feelings of anxiety, jumpiness, and a general inability to relax. It’s important to be open with your health care team about these sorts of symptoms, too, so they can help you.

--Bernice Crook, RN, OCN

Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause numbness from nerve damage.