• Nerves are like wires that connect the brain to the other parts of the body. They carry electrical messages to all parts of the body.

• The messages can be about pain, pressure or temperature or sensations

• Nerves are made of tiny bundles of fibres surrounded by an insulation, just like electric wires

• The size of nerves can be thick cord like to thin fibres that are invisible to human eye.

• Every part of the body is connected with nerves.

DAMAGE TO NERVES

• Nerves can be damaged if there is a trauma like cut or crush injuries like in vehicle accidents or various chronic health conditions like diabetes.

• When the nerves get cut, the transmission of signals is disrupted. The nerve will no longer serve the purpose.

• In mild injuries, there can be altered sensations like tingling to loss of function(Paralysis) of the supplied area in severe disruptions.

SIGNS OF NERVE DAMAGE

The symptoms depend on the severity of the injury.

The patient can present with any of the following

• Numbness

• Pain

• Weakness

• Colour change on the part supplied

TREATMENT

• Mild nerve injuries get better without any help. The severe destruction of nerves, they need surgical repair

• In surgical repair, the ends of the torn nerves are connected to each other. The function may regain over a few weeks

• Physiotherapy is very important until the full recovery takes place. Especially because the muscles undergo shrinkage without nerve supply.