Nerves play a key role in relaying signals from your brain to different body parts. As a result, any nerve damage could lead to loss of functionality and sensation, which could be hugely disruptive to your everyday life. Unfortunately, various factors, ranging from injury to pre-existing conditions, can result in nerve damage. There are several types of nerve injuries Edison, each having different causes, symptoms, and care solutions. Understanding various nerve injuries is vital in managing prevailing symptoms and avoiding further damage. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Compression Injuries
Compression injuries happen once pressure is applied to the nerve that impacts its functionality, in that it fails to transmit signals efficiently. These injuries may result from repetitive movements, prolonged standing or sitting, or wearing tight accessories or clothing.
Typical symptoms of compression injuries include numbness, weakness, discomfort, or tingling in the affected region. To alleviate this pressure, your doctor may suggest care solutions like medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, if the compression injury is severe.
2. Avulsion Injuries
Avulsion injuries result from a nerve’s complete detachment from the spinal cord, which often causes loss of sensation and function. Such injuries may happen because of injury, like a serious blow to the neck or head, or during surgical treatments. If your doctor diagnoses you with an avulsion injury, they may suggest nerve grafting, using prosthetics, or nerve repair surgery.
3. Stretch Injuries
Stretch injuries happen once the nerve becomes stretched past its usual limits, leading to damage to the nerve fibers. Such injuries may occur because of forceful or sudden movements like a vehicle collision, fall, or from repeated stretching like in manual labor or sports. Common symptoms associated with stretch injuries include weakness, numbness, or discomfort in the affected region. Luckily, you can find relief from stretch injuries with medication, physical therapy, and/or surgery.
4. Crush Injuries
These nerve injuries happen once a nerve becomes compressed and damaged by a heavy force or object, such as during a car accident. Common symptoms of a crush nerve injury include numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the affected region, and in some cases, loss of movement or sensation. Talk to your doctor about your care options, including pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
5. Transection Injuries
This nerve injury occurs once the nerve is entirely severed, leading to the loss of sensation and function in the affected region. Transection injuries happen because of trauma, like a cut or puncture wound during a surgical procedure. If you sustain such an injury, your doctor may suggest nerve grafting, nerve repair surgery, or using prosthetics.
6. Neuropraxia Injuries
These nerve injuries happen once there is momentary nerve damage, causing loss of sensation and function. Neuropraxia injuries often occur because of mild trauma like a bruise or cut, or from chronic pressure on the nerve. While in most cases, these nerve injuries resolve by themselves, if your pain, numbness, or weakness persists, you should try solutions like pain medication, physical therapy, and rest.
Nerve injuries are quite common in the United States, affecting millions of individuals every year. These injuries could lead to various symptoms, ranging from minor discomfort to serious pain and loss of function. Luckily, with correct diagnosis and care, most people with nerve injuries can effectively manage their symptoms and enhance their life quality. Your treatment plan will vary based on your unique type of nerve injury. If you suspect you might have sustained a nerve injury, consult your specialist to enhance the likelihood of successful recovery and avoid further damage.
