Can Motorcycle Wrecks Cause Nerve Damage?

Motorcycle wrecks can be devastating and life-altering. Many motorcycle riders experience broken arms, legs, fingers, and other painful injuries after an accident. However, one of the most common types of injuries that riders sustain is nerve damage. Those who have it experience extreme pain, weakness, numbness, and discomfort, which is difficult to adjust to.

You can get nerve damage from a motorcycle accident. Although nerve damage is usually not obvious right after the accident, it can be very serious once you begin noticing signs and symptoms. Some people may think of nerve damage as a mild or minor injury, but the truth is that your nerves are involved in almost every essential function that your body carries out, such as breathing, sensing what is hot and what is cold, and even controlling your temperature and blood pressure. Therefore, any type of nerve damage can severely affect the body.

What types of motorcycle crash-related injuries can lead to nerve damage?

Whether a motorcycle rider falls off their bike, is struck by another vehicle or object, or is ejected into the air and lands on the hard pavement, nerve damage is likely to arise. There are seven trillion nerves within the human body, and many of them become crushed, stretched, compressed, and permanently damaged in a motorcycle accident. Here are a few of the most common injuries that result in nerve damage caused by a motorcycle accident:

• Pinched nerves: Pinched nerves are very common in motorcycle crashes. These injuries usually cause the muscles and tissues within the limbs or other parts of the body to become swollen and inflamed, which can cause numbness, tingling, pain, spasms, and more.
• Herniated discs: Herniated discs usually happen when a motorcyclist experiences a sudden twisting movement, which applies pressure to the back. While herniated discs can occur in the upper back, they are very common in the lower back. These injuries usually cause the nerves within the back and spine to become compressed, which can cause tremendous amounts of pain and discomfort.
• Blunt force trauma: Unfortunately, it is very common for motorcycle riders to become hit or struck by other vehicles or objects during accidents. Riders do not have airbags, seat belts, or any other protections that automobile drivers have. Therefore, they often suffer blunt force trauma to the head, limbs, and other body parts, which can crush, compress, and tear the nerves instantly.
• Whiplash: Whiplash may occur when a motorcycle rider is in a sudden accident that causes their head to move, shake, or jerk quickly. This puts intense pressure on the nerves within the shoulders and neck, which can cause headaches, pain, stiffness, numbness, and weakness.

What are the three forms of nerve damage?

There are three forms of nerve damage, which include:

1. Neurapraxia: Neurapraxia is usually described as “mild” nerve damage. Riders may develop this condition if they have an injury that affects their peripheral nerves, which can cause pain that feels like burning, stabbing, or stinging. While healing from neurapraxia, the nerves may have a challenging time sending messages from your brain and spinal cord to other areas of your body.
2. Axonotmesis: Axonotmesis occurs when a motorcycle rider suffers severe nerve injuries or damage. With this condition, it is common for the nerves to become stretched and permanently damaged.
3. Neurotmesis: When a motorcyclist is diagnosed with neurotmesis, this means that they have the most severe type of nerve damage possible. Most of the time, they have severed nerves, which means that their nerves have been completely torn or cut. As a result, there is a possibility that the patient may never regain feeling or make a full recovery.

Many doctors and physicians will use the Sunderland classification system to rate how serious your nerve damage is. This system has five different degrees, which ranks your nerve damage and injuries from mild to severe.

What are the symptoms of nerve damage?

Since nerve damage can occur in various areas throughout the body, there are many different symptoms that may emerge. For example, you may have different symptoms if nerves are damaged in your brain than you would if nerves are damaged in your feet. However, there are several common symptoms you can keep an eye out for, such as:

• Too much or too little sweating
• Feeling lightheaded
• Dry mouth or eyes
• Inability to control bladder or bladder dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction
• Paralysis
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle twitching
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning or stabbing sensations
• Pain

Do damaged nerves ever heal?

Some damaged nerves do have the potential to heal. However, if the nerves are permanently damaged and cannot reconnect to the muscles, they will likely never heal. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take several years for nerves to make a complete recovery. Depending on how serious your nerve injuries are, you may need plenty of rest and relaxation, or you may need extensive treatment, such as physical therapy, braces or stints, electrical stimulators, or surgery.

What helps repair nerve damage?

While rest and relaxation are usually recommended to repair nerve damage, you may also need acupuncture, medications, physical therapy, massage therapy, and certain exercises to increase your chances of recovering. Some doctors may even suggest losing weight to help repair your nerve damage. Surgery is usually the last resort because the surgical procedures conducted to repair nerves can be very complicated and add more time to the healing process. However, your doctor will make the ultimate decision on whether you need surgical treatment or not.

How do you prove that you have nerve damage?

A few of the ways that you can prove that you have nerve damage include:

• Gathering your medical records: Gather all your medical records. This will show that you visited a licensed medical provider about your nerve damage, the types of symptoms you had/have, and the treatments you are undergoing.
• Documenting your injuries and symptoms: Another important way to show that you have nerve damage is by documenting your injuries and symptoms. This requires keeping a journal that explains what happened during your motorcycle accident, what types of injuries you have, and what symptoms you experience. Any time you feel pain, numbness, or are even mentally exhausted, it is crucial to write about it in your journal.
• Asking witnesses to give their testimony: Witnesses can also play a major role in proving that you have nerve damage. For example, you may be able to ask your spouse, child, or caregiver to explain to the court that you have trouble doing the same tasks you did before the accident due to your nerve damage. Your attorney may also hire an expert witness to explain how your nerve damage from the accident is impacting your life.

Do you have nerve pain or damage after a motorcycle accident? If so, Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is here to help. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys know and understand how difficult it can be to show proof of nerve damage after a motorcycle accident, which is why we will gladly assist you with every step of the complex legal process to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.