Nerve Injuries

Nerves carry signals between your brain and the rest of the body. Motor nerves in particular communicate between the brain and your muscles, while sensory nerves carry messages regarding things like pain, pressure, and temperature.

Damage to the nerves impairs this communication between the brain and the body, which can make you lose motor functions or feeling in the injured area.

Nerves are made of fragile fibers called axons, which are bundled together in a protective tissue layer. A single nerve will include numerous bundles and also is surrounded by a protective tissue layer.

Nevertheless, like electrical wiring covered by insulation, nerves can fray and be damaged by cutting, pressure, or stretching.

In certain cases, yes. If the outer protective tissue around the axons is intact, the end closest to the brain remains alive and can heal as new nerve fibers grow and attempt to reach a muscle or sensory receptor.

Dr. Wimalawansa may be able to save a nerve by reattaching the ends of the outer covering so the encased fibers have a chance to heal. In cases where there is a significant gap between the nerve endings, he may use nerve tissue from a donor to create a graft.

It usually takes about three to four weeks for a nerve to begin to heal after surgery and nerves grow about an inch a month.

As an example, if you were to experience a nerve injury to your arm above your fingers, it would take about a year before you regained normal sensation all the way to your fingertips. The first sensations would probably begin with a pins-and-needles feeling.