Nerve damage can lead to death indirectly but not by itself.
The nerve damage itself does not cause death although nerve damage that is left untreated or gets worse or is already severe could lead to complications that can be life threatening and the life threatening complications that result from the nerve damage is what can lead to death.
Nerve damage that is severe or or life threatening can lead to loss of vital organ functions and severe infections which can be fatal or deadly.
Nerve damage itself is rarely directly fatal and most people survive with nerve damage as long as they get it treated.
Nerve damage or neuropathy can range from mild to severe and the symptoms of the nerve damage will also depend on the type and the location of the affected nerves.
For example peripheral neuropathy, "nerve damage" affects the nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord and is not often life threatening, although complications such as amputations, foot ulcers and falls can become serious in people and especially older people.
Autonomic nerve damage is a type of nerve damage that occurs to the autonomic nervous system, which controls your involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate and can lead to dangerous symptoms such as difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat and if left untreated it can also become life threatening and deadly.
Other life threatening complications that can occur as a result of untreated or severe nerve damage are loss of sensation, muscle weakness or atrophy, infections and organ dysfunction.
Muscle weakness or atrophy can make it difficult to perform essential tasks or even cause falls and infections, especially in the areas with compromised sensation like foot ulcers in diabetic neuropathy, which can become life threatening and organ dysfunction.
If the nerves that control your vital organs are damaged, then the organs function can be impaired severely and can potentially cause death.
Diabetic neuropathy is a specific type of nerve damage which is caused by diabetes and can lead to leg amputations and even death if it's left untreated.
Early diagnoses and early treatment is important for preventing complications from nerve damage and treatment to improve your outcome.