How long does it take for damaged nerves to repair themselves?
Good question. Which nerves? I have only personal experience; it took many years for me to get full feeling iafter a bad thumb-wrist area laceration, although I had 90% use of thumb and grip, shortly after surgical repair around 1950. Those were “peripheral” nerves, and I had thought they only repaired the tendons.“…The Nervous system injuries affect over 90,000 people every year. It is estimated that spinal cord injuries alone affect 10,000 each year……The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which consists of cranial and spinal nerves along with their associated ganglia.While the peripheral nervous system has an intrinsic ability for repair and regeneration, the central nervous system is, for the most part, incapable of self-repair and regeneration. There is currently no treatment for recovering human nerve function after injury to the central nervous system. In addition, multiple attempts at nerve re-growth across the PNS-CNS transition have not been successful.There is simply not enough knowledge about regeneration in the central nervous system. In addition, although the peripheral nervous system has the capability for regeneration, much research still needs to be done to optimize the environment for maximum regrowth potential. Neuroregeneration is important clinically, as it is part of the pathogenesis of many diseases, including multiple sclerosis…” More here, but difficult to understand: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne...Very recent studies of stem cells suggests that brain and spinal neurons can regenerate, and there is reason to be hopeful. I watch this area, especially.
How do I treat minor nerve damage?
See your health care provider as soon as possible for consultation. Anyone who has persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in an extremity should get a careful history and physical examination, including tests of reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. Nerve conduction studies can help determine how bad the problem is and localize the site of a compression neuropathy. CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging may also be necessary. If the source of pressure is external, getting rid of it is generally enough to correct mild, newly developed compression neuropathies. But more severe or long standing cases often require more aggressive treatment. The initial prescription is usually an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil), often followed by some combination of splinting, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections, and occupational therapy. Invasive measures, such as spinal surgery, are only a last resort. Deficiency in vitamin B12, which can cause a common condition called peripheral neuropathy--loss of sensation, followed by muscle weakness and atrophy, in the affected extremity. Vitamin B12 supplementation quickly may resolved the numbness. I hope this helps you. And good luck.
Can Lip Piercings Cause Nerve Damage?
Well... There are nerves positioned throughout your face, along with muscles and spit glands and a bunch of other things that, if hit in the right spot, can negatively affect your way of life. For example, if you hit your spit gland, it will FOREVER leak spit down your cheek/face. Decent, professional piercers are all knowledgeable about these areas. They at least know to avoid them. Luckily for many, the typical placement of a lip piercing is not anywhere near MAJOR nerves. As you said, there are small ones that might be hit, but usually heal and don't result in anything really noticeable, paralysis wise. It really isn't something to worry about. Piercings couldn't have become so popular if people were getting paralyzed left and right!