Editing Nerve injury (section)

== Classification of nerve injuries ==

* Open - laceration
* Closed - overstretching, blunt, compressive trauma
* Neuropraxia
** focal or segmental demyelination with preservation of axon continuity
** Functional recovery expected as the myelin heals
** Expected to take up to 6 weeks to recover
** No surgical intervention required
* Axonotmesis
** Axonal injury with preservation of the endo and epineurial sheath
** Axon will die back to nearest node of Ranvier, and then regrow at rate of 1mm/day through the distal endoneurial tubes
** Axons distal to the injury will undergo Wallerian degeneration - this process commences in 72-96 hours, and after this time period the distal axons will irreversably degrade, so repair should be undertaken within this period where it is going to be attempted
** Range of recovery - can be complete, can be minimal. Depends on degree of damage to surrounding structures and resulting scar tissue.
** Spontaneous recovery is likely in Sunderland II or III, but not in IV
* Neurotmesis
** Complete transection of all neural structures
** Surgical intervention required