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1471920 tn?1286827537

Do nerves repair themselves?

Do nerves repair themselves? My ANS is not quite right as I am susceptable to low blood pressure from dehydration and orthostatic hypotension. This seemed to start this past June when I had a vasovagal syncope while on the commode. I fell off, hit the wall and broke my neck. Fortunately, the nerves were not broken. I still have tingling fingers on the last 3 fingers of each hand. The Cardo Dr. prescribed 30-40 mmHg comp. stockings. This has helped with the lightheadedness upon rising from a bent over position. Will I have to wear these forever or do the nerves heal themselves? I am taking coenzyme B complex, omega 3,6,9 oil, vitamin D, calcium/magnesium & multivitamins every day. I exercise everyday and swim laps 3 or 4 times a week. I am on no medications.
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Avatar universal
I had a root canal and then the tooth was extracted and still have massive pain two years later. i believe something went wrong when the dentist performed the first part of the root canal as i woke up that night and felt like my head, face, mouth had been beat by a hammer. i kept going back until he removed the tooth but am still in massive pain. i have electical shooting pains in any and all of my teeth at anytime, basically lock jaw on my right side, migraine pain and pressure in face and head 24/7, and numbness all over my face. i sleep sitting up cz i can't put any pressure on my head or face. yep nerve damage. just visiting the dentist and now my life is forever changed. i feel like hanging myself in my backyard if i wasnt afraid of the wrath of god or going to hell for eternity. this pain is debilitating
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Avatar universal
Please let us know your experience at Mayo Jax.  I suffer chronic pain from nerve damage from an implant removal 11 months ago.  Am doing acupuncture and taking gabapentin but the improvement is questionable.  Have gone on the Mayo Connect to see if someone else has had a similar circumstance and a successful treatment plan and I have also asked help on how to proceed for an interdisciplinary assessment and treatment plan for my chronic pain.  Good luck to you.  I am truly sorry about your pain.
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Avatar universal
I had to have reconstructive surgery on my nose, right orbit, cheek bone and the main nerve that exists under the check bone after being hit. I was told that I had a good chance of the nerve "repairing itself" since I was under 40 at the time. It took over a year and I started completely
numb and it's still not completely normal but it's a million times better.
Mind you my nerve was damaged from trauma so it might be different. I just wanted to say yes in some cases nerves can repair and work.
Like I believe Heiferly said maybe is the best answer.
Don't give up hope!
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Avatar universal
Among my vast number of problems I have small fiber and peripheral neuropathy and am being seen by Dr Vinik who runs the clinic. I tried Topomax but had horrible adverse reactions. I first tried it for migraines and then gave it another try for the neuropathy. I do not have diabetes.
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1471920 tn?1286827537
That was interesting reading. Thanks for pointing out that article.

I do have occasional stabbing pains in my toes from nerve damage when I broke my back 20 yrs ago. I have an occasional mild burning sensation on the backs of my hands from my broken neck this summer. The topamax seems beneficial except that my occasional diastolic of 50 can't handle another 10 points dropped from it.
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Avatar universal
http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20030616/epilepsy-drug-topamax-targets-diabetes?pagenumber=1

...Topamax also appears to reverse some of the nerve damage  that leads to a painful condition called peripheral neuropathy, one of the most common complications of diabetes, in which diabetic people often feel like their feet are being stabbed by needles or that their hands are on fire, he says....
Helpful - 0
612876 tn?1355514495
It depends upon the nature/cause of the dysfunction/damage to the nerve cells as well as the type of nerve cells, as I understand it, with regard to the prognosis of recovery.  This is something that is definitely best discussed on a case-by-case basis with your physician.  The general answer that would apply to everyone at large would be "maybe."  :-/  

Sorry not to have a more helpful answer.
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1471920 tn?1286827537
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll be seeing the ANS doc at the Mayo JAX clinic 12/2 so I'll see what they say.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi! That's a very good question! I know that when we are injured a chemical called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) normally increases as part of the healing process, and though some nerves may be damaged beyond repair, healing can happen. I suppose it depends on the circumstances.
I sustained some nerve damage during a wisdom tooth extraction many years ago, and was told to increase my intake of B vitamins, especially B6, but no other advice was given. That area of my lip and gums remained numb for years. The numbness is gone now, but I have a reduced sensation of pain in that area, so I would describe it as partially healed.

Actually, I think, experimentally, NGF was found to heal wounds - ulcers, fractures etc. at an accelerated rate. I don't know if there are any studies showing it's effect on the nerves themselves.
It's good that you are able to exercise so well. I wish you good luck!
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