Nerve Injury Discussion Nerve Injury Discussion Nerve injuries are a difficult problem for which there may be no satisfactory surgical solution.
Recovery depends on the exact type and degree of injury.
Following a closed injury, if the nerve is simply bruised or otherwise subjected to a minor irritation, there may be profound dysfunction followed by full or near full recovery. Adjacent infection, inflammation, scar tissue, or inadequate soft tissue cover may produce injury by affecting blood supply to the nerve. If there is significant mechanical injury, recovery is entirely unpredictable. Electrical nerve tests or surgical exploration may be indicated if a nerve injury which might require repair or decompression is strongly suspected. If a nerve is actually crushed, cut or torn, conservative treatment rarely if ever results in recovery of sensation or strength to the area supplied by the damaged nerve and gives the greatest risk of painful neuroma symptoms at the site of injury.