Neurologist Questions Neurologist

How do you know if you have nerve damage from a cut?

I had a cut on my hand and it hurts bad. How do you know if you have nerve damage from a cut?

1 Answer

Nerves in the skin carry information to the brain about sensations: cold, warmth, injury, and light touch. If these nerves are cut, then the brain can’t perceive any of those feelings. We typically describe the absence of sensations as being “numb.” Likewise, the deeper nerves make muscles work. If they are injured, then the muscle they supply are weak, in an incomplete injury, or if the nerves are completely severed, then the muscles are paralyzed. So, if you have a nerve injury, the skin is numb, and the muscles are weak or paralyzed.