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What to expect when you suffer nerve damage

On Behalf of | Mar 29, 2023 | PERSONAL INJURY - Personal Injury

Accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, including nerve damage. After the initial injury, some patients do not recognize that they have nerve damage. Your nerves are a critical component in your body’s systems. Your nerves signal to your body how to feel, how to move and how to function.

Nerve damage can restrict your ability to move, stand and feel sensations.

How nerve damage occurs

In an accident, nerve damage occurs because of compression or nerve trauma. Crush and neck injuries are common sources of nerve damage. Any damage to your nerves can result in pain, numbness and a tingling or prickling sensation. Additionally, you may notice weakness or muscle atrophy in the affected areas. In severe cases, nerve damage can result in paralysis.

Automatic nerve damage is among the most serious and can occur after a head injury. Patients can have bladder dysfunction, lightheadedness, too much or too little sweating and an inability to feel chest pain.

How to treat nerve damage

When you have nerve damage due to physical trauma, you may have to undergo an operation to decompress the nerves or to relieve pressure. Next, physical therapy may be able to help you achieve more function and strength in your limbs. If you have ongoing or chronic nerve pain, your physician may provide you with pain relievers, antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs to calm your body and alleviate pain.

Sometimes you can reduce the effects of nerve damage, but in severe or untreated cases, the nerve damage is permanent.