The 3 Types of Nerve Damage

When you suffer a personal injury in an accident you may sustain nerve damage. Nerve damage can be as simple as mild compression or stretching of the nerve, or as serious as tearing or severance of the nerve. No matter how the nerve damage is sustained, it should be treated immediately to avoid long-term complications such as permanent paralysis.

Mild nerve damage occurs when the nerve is compressed or has pressure placed on it, disrupting normal function. This causes the affected area to have a tingling sensation which usually goes away when the pressure is relieved and the nerve relaxes back to its normal state. A common form of this type of temporary nerve damage is when you sit on your legs too long and they “fall asleep.”

Moderate nerve damage is when the nerve is stretched, usually by a slipped disc in your spinal cord. Until the nerve is relaxed back to its normal state, the discomfort, numbness-and sometimes, paralysis-will not be relieved. Surgery is sometimes necessary to repair the slipped disc so the nerves can repair themselves.

Severe nerve damage is when the nerve is severed or torn due to a traumatic injury. If nerves are stretched too far, they can tear, and they can also be severed by bone fragments or foreign objects that pierce these delicate areas. In cases of severance, the insulating material around the nerve is cut, disrupting all signals sent by that nerve. Unless they are repaired, the nerves can no longer function and paralysis results. Severe spinal cord injuries can fall into this category.

Nerve damage is a common injury resulting from many types of accidents such as slip and falls and car accidents. The costs related to injuries resulting in nerve damage can be costly, and many victims find it necessary to file personal injury claims to obtain compensation for their damages.