PRP Nerve Damage Option to Restore Functionality After Injuries
Scientists are exploring the possibility of using PRP nerve damage treatments to regenerate axons and nerves after a trauma. One of the most challenging aspects of treating patients with injuries is healing the damage to the peripheral nerves. This peripheral nervous system connects the brain and spinal cord to the different parts of the body.
Currently, surgeons attempt to repair nerves by using microsurgical methods. After harvesting nerves from other parts of the body, surgeons graft them into the injury site. In this way, they hope to stimulate the passing of signals from the brain to the damaged area.
Nerve Transplants are Largely Ineffective – The Solution? PRP Nerve Damage
The current solutions for nerve repair are not effective enough. As the National Center for Biotechnical Information reports, doctors are unable to create the right microenvironment for the cells and molecules to heal. As a result, the process stops before the nerves can regenerate completely.
PRP nerve damage assists in the repair of axons or nerve cells in many ways:
- The platelets, alpha granules, and growth factors contained in PRP repair the trauma site, and restore sensation and control of the nervous system.
- PRP can help prevent further damage to the injured nerves.
- PRP can soothe inflammation of the nerves caused by the trauma.
- By restoring nerve function in the muscles, PRP can revive the lost capability of movement in the affected limb.
Surgeons have found that using ultrasonic imaging devices, they can place the PRP serum on the stumps of the broken nerves. In this way, they can stimulate healing by bridging the gap between the nerve endings. If needed, surgeons may also insert the PRP serum in the channels through which nerves run to assist in repair.
In addition to healing after trauma, surgeons are exploring the possibility of using PRP nerve damage to help patients who have lost motor function because of other factors. These issues include infections or compression of the nerves. Axon damage can also occur when the nerve adheres to surrounding tissues because of swelling.
Trials are still in progress to assess the complete benefits of PRP therapy for healing nerves. But, the results so far are positive.