Nerve damage occurs when nerves in the body are stretched, compressed, cut, or otherwise injured. These injuries can lead to loss of sensation, impaired movement, and chronic pain. Some people suffer long-term or permanent disability as a result of nerve damage.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Types of Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can be grouped into three main categories, which include the following:
Neurapraxia
Neurapraxia occurs when the conduction of nerve signals is blocked within an axon (nerve fiber), but it doesn’t result in an interruption of anatomical processes. In this instance, the nerve is stretched or compressed, but it is not damaged permanently. This is considered the mildest form of nerve injury, and symptoms often improve in weeks.
Axonotmesis
Axonotmesis involves damage to the axon. The axon is the central part of the nerve. The surrounding structures remain intact, which means recovery is possible. However, it often requires months of physical therapy.
During the healing process, the axon regrows to the target muscle, which is why recovery takes so long. If there is scar tissue, the axon may struggle to regrow appropriately or at all. Sometimes, injured parties need surgery.
When a muscle loses its supply of nerve fibers, the nerve receptors will eventually disappear. The process typically takes months. Consequently, it’s important to receive prompt medical treatment and undergo surgical intervention, if necessary. Timely treatment reduces the risk of permanent or irreversible nerve damage.
Neurotmesis
Neurotmesis is the most severe type of nerve damage. The nerve is completely severed. Without surgery, the deficits will become permanent. Neurotmesis can occur due to a rupture or avulsion.
Common Causes of Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can result from traumatic events, medical conditions, or repetitive stress. Many injuries occur in preventable circumstances, such as car crashes or unsafe property conditions.
Common causes include:
- Blunt trauma from a car accident
- Severe impact during a motorcycle crash
- Falls or crushing injuries
- Surgical errors or complications
- Compression from swelling, inflammation, or slipped discs
- Exposure to toxins or certain medications
Spinal cord injuries are a particularly concerning cause of nerve damage, as they can lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and long-term disability.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage
While it takes a medical professional to diagnose nerve damage, you can often spot the signs and symptoms before receiving an official diagnosis.
Here’s what to look for:
- Burning, shooting, or stabbing pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness or loss of motor control
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Loss of reflexes
- Coordination problems
Don’t underestimate any of these signs or symptoms. Get medical treatment right away, especially if you develop symptoms of nerve pain after an accident, such as a car crash or a fall.
How Doctors Diagnose Nerve Damage
Healthcare providers may use several different tools to evaluate you for potential nerve damage.
They often start with a physical examination, during which they will assess the following:
- Strength
- Reflexes
- Sensation
- Range of motion
If they suspect that you’ve suffered nerve damage, your provider may order an electromyography or nerve conduction study. These tests help determine the location and severity of the injury.
Imaging tests can identify structural damage to nearby tissues that may be causing or worsening the nerve damage. For example, an MRI or CT may be ordered to evaluate your spinal cord.
Potential Complications of Untreated Nerve Damage
Moderate to severe nerve damage can result in long-term or irreversible complications, which may include the following:
- Permanent loss of sensation
- Muscle atrophy
- Chronic neuropathic pain
- Impaired coordination or balance
- Reduced ability to perform daily activities
Because these complications can be so serious, it is essential to seek prompt treatment and follow the recommended interventions.
Potential Treatment Options for Nerve Damage
Your provider may treat nerve damage with:
- Medications to control the pain
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
The type of treatment your provider recommends will vary based on the severity of the damage and the type of nerve affected.
When Nerve Damage Results from an Accident
Nerve damage can result from personal injury incidents, such as a slip and fall or a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. In these instances, the negligent party may be held liable for your injuries. You may be eligible to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and any long-term disabilities you experience.
Contact Our Savannah Personal Injury Lawyers at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Whether your nerve damage resulted from a car crash, a slip and fall, a workplace accident, or another incident entirely, it’s vital to seek prompt treatment. Once the dust has settled, you should take steps to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm you suffered.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers provides legal services to individuals injured in and around Savannah, Georgia. Contact us at (912) 335-1909 for a free consultation and let one of our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyers fight for justice on your behalf.
