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What is Nerve Damage?

Adam Hill
Adam Hill

There are three principal types of nerves in the body. Sensory nerves are the ones which send information to our brain regarding our tangible environment, and they comprise our sense of touch. Motor nerves send information to muscles which govern our voluntary movements. Our autonomic nerves control involuntary body functions like our heartbeat. Nerve damage is any kind of injury, whether minor or severe, that occurs to nerve fibers in any area of the body. Various causes can be responsible for damage to the nerves, which generally presents in one of three forms: neurotmesis, neurapraxia, and axonotmesis.

Dozens of different types of nerve damage exist, but almost all of them can be described by one of the three above categories. Neurotmesis is the most severe form of damage, which results in a complete loss of function and nerve continuity. It can be caused by severe bruising, tearing, or stretching of the nerve or surrounding tissue.

A medical professional may be able to recommend exercises that can help alleviate nerve damage.
A medical professional may be able to recommend exercises that can help alleviate nerve damage.

Axonotmesis is a less severe form of nerve damage, mainly seen as a result of injuries where the nerve is crushed or placed under too much pressure. The axon of the nerve is disrupted, but the nerve's structural integrity remains intact. This type of injury allows for the possibility of regeneration, which can take months or years to be complete.

Neurapraxia is the mildest type of damage, and usually allows for complete recovery within days or months. It is usually a result of pressure on a nerve which keeps it from functioning, and blocks the transmission of signals. Loss of blood supply may also cause neurapraxia.

Muscle atrophy in the hands can be a sign of nerve damage.
Muscle atrophy in the hands can be a sign of nerve damage.

The specific situational causes of nerve damage are as varied as the disorders that humans suffer from. Some conditions, however, are well-known for their ability to damage nerves. Diabetes is foremost among these, often causing the type of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. This term is nonspecific and refers to many types of nerve injury brought about due to diabetes. About two thirds of people with diabetes suffer from some form of neuropathy.

Motor nerves send information to muscles which govern our voluntary movements.
Motor nerves send information to muscles which govern our voluntary movements.

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can strike any part of the nervous system, but there are some common signs to look out for. Pain, tingling sensations, and numbness in the extremities, as well as muscle atrophy in the feet and hands are some of the classic signs of this form of nerve damage. Digestive symptoms and sexual dysfunction, as well as an overall weakness, are also somewhat common for neuropathies of this type, although many people who suffer from it experience no noticeable symptoms at all.

Discussion Comments

anon1001425

When I had neck surgery, my nerve was hit and it paralyzed my left diaphragm. Now I am on O2 24 hours a day and wear a diaphragm pacer. I have been like this almost four years. By the grace of God, I have learned to feed myself, walk, write, and basically relearn everything. I am only 54 so are there any vitamins and or exercise that might help in healing?

wolf69

I was in a bad truck wreck and stretched the nerves in my arms. I am in so much pain that I am ready to cut my arms off with a chainsaw.

anon280266

My penile function has been affected from removal

of the prostate. The nerve endings have been disrupted.

Can you tell me of any treatments that will help

repair my dysfunction? --Nigel f. I am 185mm tall, weigh 85 kgs and 50 years old.

DasToot

@Bluemoon, While those are good solutions, there are others that are less costly than surgery. These include, but are not limited to, meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback, and hypnosis.

BlueMoon

There are several solutions for nerve damage but most are not 100% guaranteed. There are a few herbal supplements and several surgical solutions which address compression or trauma to the nerves. Always consult a doctor for nerve damage treatment.

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    • A medical professional may be able to recommend exercises that can help alleviate nerve damage.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A medical professional may be able to recommend exercises that can help alleviate nerve damage.
    • Muscle atrophy in the hands can be a sign of nerve damage.
      By: stockdevil
      Muscle atrophy in the hands can be a sign of nerve damage.
    • Motor nerves send information to muscles which govern our voluntary movements.
      By: abhijith3747
      Motor nerves send information to muscles which govern our voluntary movements.
    • Nerve damage may cause temporary paralysis in some individuals.
      By: lassedesignen
      Nerve damage may cause temporary paralysis in some individuals.
    • A reflex test may be conducted to determine whether a patient has sustained nerve damage.
      By: Bamboo
      A reflex test may be conducted to determine whether a patient has sustained nerve damage.
    • Diabetes can cause nerve impairment that's.
      By: dalaprod
      Diabetes can cause nerve impairment that's.
    • Complications of neuropathy may include bedsores and other types of skin ulcers on the extremities.
      By: schankz
      Complications of neuropathy may include bedsores and other types of skin ulcers on the extremities.
    • Sensory nerves send information to our brain regarding the tangible environment.
      By: storm
      Sensory nerves send information to our brain regarding the tangible environment.
    • Sexual dysfunction may occur as a result of diabetic neuropathy.
      By: Irina Karlova
      Sexual dysfunction may occur as a result of diabetic neuropathy.