What are the mechanism for injury to the nerve structure
compression
laceration
stretch
radiation
electricity
What are the 3 categories of injury to the nerve
Neuropraxia
Axonotmesis
Neurotmesis
Define neuropraxia
segmental demyelination of the nerve, signal is slow or blocked at site of compression or traction and its temporary
Define axonotmesis
loss of axonal continuity the connective tissue is still intact, results from prolonged compression or stretch recovery may be incomplete. May have muscle atrophy and sensory loss
Define neurotmesis
complete severance of nerve and connective tissue, resulting from a stabbing, avulsion or rupture. may not recover and may require surgery. Can suffer frommuscle atrophy and sensory loss
What are the 3 phases of management of a nerve injury
acute
recovery
chronic
What is done during the acute phase of nerve injury management
ROM to minimize adhesions ( limited to specific ranges per protocol)
Splint to protect tissue
Patient education
What is done during the recovery phase of nerve injury management
motor retraining
desensitization
discriminative sensory re-education
patient education
What is done during chronic pahse of nerve injury management
emphasize training and compensatory function if plateau has been reached