Nerve Injury and Nerve Dysfunction

There are many different types of nerve damage, and equally as many causes. Generally, nerve injuries are classified based upon the type of nerve fiber injury and whether there is nerve continuity. The three classifications from least to most severe are: (1) neurapraxia, (2) axonotmesis, and (3) neurotmesis.

When a nerve is damaged, whether because of a car accident, tractor trailer accident, bus accident, SUV accident, motorcycle accident, or as the result of a fall, falling object, construction side accident, defective product, or medical malpractice, a physician likely will assess the extent of the damage.

Where it appears that nerve impulses have been interrupted but the nerve body is unharmed, most likely because of nerve compression or loss of blood supply (ischemia), the diagnosis likely will be neurapraxia. The likelihood of recovery is good and can happen in as fast as 3 to 4 weeks. Where it appears that the nerve body has been damaged, but the myelin sheath is still intact, most likely because of a crush injury or overstretching, the diagnosis likely will be axonotmesis. The likelihood of recovery is guarded and, where there is a recovery, it can take as long as 1 year. Where it appears that the nerve body and all connective tissue have lost their continuity, mostly likely because of a severe crush injury, contusion or laceration, the diagnosis likely will be neurotmesis. The likelihood of recovery is poor and neuromas are common.

Common nerve injuries include:

• Brachial plexopathy;
• Erb's palsy;
• Klumpke's paralysis;
• Complex regional pain syndrome;
• Tibial nerve dysfunction;
• Axillary nerve dysfunction;
• Radial nerve dysfunction;
• Sciatic nerve dysfunction
• Peroneal nerve dysfunction;
• Distal median nerve dysfunction;
• Femoral nerve dysfunction;
• Ulnar nerve dysfunction;
• Laryngeal nerve dysfunction; and
• Erectile dysfunction.

Common symptoms of nerve damage include:

• weakness;
• muscle atrophy;
• twitching;
• paralysis;
• pain;
• numbness;
• tingling;
• burning;
• freezing; and
• sensitivity to stimulus.

The lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have considerable experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving severe personal injuries, including nerve injury, nerve damage, nerve dysfunction and neuralgia. Contact us now to discuss your case or concerns.