Question 1

can nerve damage heal?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If the damage does not cause the nerve to be completely cut, then healing can occur. If a nerve has been cut, it will need to be reconnected in order to grow. Nerve grows about 1 mm/day, so depending on where the injury is, it may take over a year for recovery. It is difficult after a nerve is cut to get 100% recovery, but some return of sensation can be expected after repair.

Question 2

can nerve damage repair itself?

Accepted Answer

No: If the nerve is simply bruised, then the nerve damage may improve with time alone. However, nerve lacerations or direct injuries often require surgical exploration and direct repair in a timely fashion. For chronic injuries, nerve grafts may be necessary.

Question 3

does a m r i show nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

not really: An EMG is the best test for nerve damage. The MRI can show evidence of compression or damage but cannot quantitate it or really confirm its extent. In most cases.

Question 4

can nerve damage reverse itself?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Generically, if only the coverings of a nerve are involved (myelin), and healing begins, it will take about 4 weeks.  If the central portion of the nerve fibre is involved (axon), recovery is the speed of finger nail growth (.1 mm daily). Depends on location, causation, and whether successful treatment is available.

Question 5

how permanent can nerve damage be?

Accepted Answer

Very permanent: Your question is not open to an answer because you offer no specifics. What nerve? How severe is the involvement?

Question 6

how do i know if i have nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

Nerve injury: An examination would be the place to start. If there is evidence of a nerve problem it could be further evaluated as to extent of injury with electro diagnostic testing.

Question 7

could nerve damage really be repaired?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: A severed or ruptured nerve theoretically can be repaired surgically, but that does not guarantee complete healing and normal function.  Nerves do have the ability to regenerate.  New connection can be made to bridge the area of injury.  This takes time and most healing will occur within the first year after injury.  Ultimately, your body will do the best it can to heal the injury.

Question 8

what can happen if i have nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

Nerve damage: Nerve damage most often leads to either burning pain, weakness and numbness.

The most important thing to do is to try to identify the cause of the nerve injury and if possible to treat it.

Question 9

what should i do about the nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation soon: Nerve damage is often a term i hear in clinic but does not necessarily mean permanent damage. If the decreased nerve function is caused by compression then surgical treatment is usually indicated to relieve the pressure and allow the nerve to regain function. There are also some nutritional products that have been proven to help such as methylcobalamin, acetyl l carnitine, r Alpha lipoid acid, etc.

Question 10

does chinese medicine work for nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Chinese : With complete damage or loss of function, probably not.

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