Nerve Injury

What is Nerve Injury?

Nerve injury is when a nerve stops transmission of signals from one side of the brain to the other, prevents muscles from working, and causes a loss of feeling in the area supplied by that nerve.

There are three basic types of nerve injury. The first kind is where the nerve is bruised and does not work properly for a short period of time, but all the inner cables remain intact. This type of nerve injury recovers fully and leaves no deficit at all. The second kind is where the inner cables are damaged, but the outer layer remains intact. The third kind is where the nerve is divided, and both the outer layer and inner cables are divided. This type of injury requires the nerve to be repaired, if it is to recover.

Symptoms

Symptoms largely depend on the kind of nerve affected, and whether one nerve or several nerves, or the whole body has been affected.

  • Numbness and pain.
  • Tingling and burning in the arms and legs.
  • Contraction of muscles.
  • Lightheadedness and fainting.
  • Chest discomfort or pain that points to heart disease.

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Causes

The common causes of nerve injury are:

  • Compression and stretching.
  • Electrical Injury.
  • Laceration.
  • Diabetes.
  • Drug injection injury.
  • Focal contusion.

 

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Risks

The main risks factors are:

  • Acquired diseases.
  • Consumption of alcohol.
  • Anaemia.
  • Cancer treatment.
  • Compression of nerve.
  • Inflammation.
  • Weak immune system.

 

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Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of nerve damage, these are certain things one should take care of:

  • Regular exercising.
  • Avoid consumption of tobacco.
  • Eat balanced diet.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Prevent head injuries.
  • Frequent testing of the eyes and ears.

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How is it treated?

At Medanta, our doctors may employ several methods to treat the disease, which may vary on a case-to-case basis.

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  • Surgery

    In cases of a wound and evident signs of nerve injury, a surgery is necessary to probe further. The goal of surgery is to fix the nerves so that they start functioning normally. A small piece of the donor's nerve is used to close the difference between the two nerve ends. The nerve regenerates across this ‘bridge' to offer complete recovery.

  • Non-surgical treatment

    Massage therapy, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and management of weight loss.

  • Medications

    Pain relievers, Tricyclic antidepressants, and certain anti-seizure drugs.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately contact a doctor, if you notice symptoms such as persistent pain or pinched nerves, burning in the arms and legs, feeling of drowsiness or lightheadedness, chest discomfort, etc.

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How does Medanta provide care?

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Consult with experienced doctors

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  • Have a question?

    Call us +91 - 124 - 4141414

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