Nerve Injury

What Is a Nerve Injury?

Nerves act as the body’s communication system, carrying messages between the brain and the body.

• Motor nerves send signals from the brain to muscles to produce movement.

• Sensory nerves send information such as pain, pressure, and temperature from the body to the brain.

Each nerve contains bundles of fibers covered by a protective outer layer. When damaged, nerves may lose the ability to send or receive signals properly.

Causes of Nerve Injury

Nerves can be injured in a variety of ways, including:

• Compression (pressure): For example, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist.

• Stretching: Overstretching can lead to mild or severe damage, depending on the degree of force.

• Laceration (cut): A cut can completely disrupt the nerve fibers, stopping the transmission of signals.

Some injuries occur slowly over time (chronic), while others may result from sudden trauma (acute).

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness: Often caused by injury to sensory nerves.

• Weakness: Seen when motor nerves are affected.

• Pain: May be sharp, burning, or achy and is usually felt at or near the injury site.

• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation

• Muscle atrophy (shrinking of muscles)

• Changes in skin color or sweating patterns

Some symptoms may be intermittent (especially in mild or repeated injuries), while others may be constant in more severe cases.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common example of a recurrent nerve injury, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand, wrist, or forearm, and weakness in the thumb.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is made based on:

• Patient history

• Physical examination

• In some cases, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or imaging may be used to assess nerve function and damage.

Treatment Options

Mild Nerve Injuries

• May heal on their own within weeks to months

• Supportive treatments include:

  • Rest and activity modification

  • Pain management

  • Splinting or bracing

  • Physical therapy

Moderate to Severe Nerve Injuries

• Nerves may take several months to regrow, often at a rate of about 1 inch per month

• Surgery may be required to:

  • Reconnect severed nerve ends

  • Remove scar tissue

  • Repair damage to restore nerve continuity

Complete Nerve Lacerations

• Require surgical repair, typically involving suturing the two ends of the nerve back together

• Post-surgical recovery may include:

  • Physical or occupational therapy

  • Gradual return of function and sensation

  • Management of any residual symptoms (e.g., pain or numbness)

Recovery & Prognosis

Nerve recovery varies and depends on:

• Age and overall health

• Location and type of nerve injury

• Severity of the damage

• Timeliness of treatment

Full recovery may take months to over a year. During this time, it’s normal to experience changes in sensation, strength, and function.