Basic mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury and treatment via electrical stimulation

Neural Regeneration Research, 2022 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335823 · Published: October 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can cause changes not only at the injury site but also in the central nervous system and target organs. After PNI, changes in the spinal cord can limit nerve regeneration. The injured nerve site also affects repair, and slow axon regeneration leads to poor nerve regeneration. Electrical stimulation (ES) can help treat PNI by inhibiting synaptic stripping, addressing dorsal root ganglion excitability, alleviating pain, improving neurological function, and accelerating nerve regeneration.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
PNI leads to physiological and pathological changes in the spinal cord, injury site, and target organs, causing dysfunction.
2
Electrical stimulation can address these pathophysiological changes, promoting nerve regeneration and improving function.
3
After PNI, motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord often undergo apoptosis.

Research Summary

PNI triggers a series of pathophysiological changes at the level of the cell body, at the site of injury, and in the target organ, reflecting the overall structure of the nervous system. Electrical stimulation has received much attention from PNI researchers as an effective treatment for nerve regeneration. The effects of ES therapy on peripheral neurogenesis vary according to the position of stimulation.

Practical Implications

Targeted Therapies

Understanding the specific mechanisms of PNI at different levels (cell body, injury site, target organ) can lead to more targeted and effective therapies.

Electrical Stimulation Optimization

Further research into the optimal parameters and methods of electrical stimulation can improve its efficacy in promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Combined Treatment Strategies

Combining electrical stimulation with other therapies, such as pharmacological treatments or cell-based therapies, may offer synergistic benefits for PNI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The review did not consider PNI-induced changes in activity in the brain.
2
The parameters of electrical stimulation are an important consideration in the effects of electrical stimulation for PNI, which need further exploration.
3
Due to limited space, time, and energy, some relevant studies may have been excluded.

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