Study on Molecular Processes in Motorcycle Injury Healing
A research team from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) recently published an article on the molecular processes involved in motorcycle injury recovery. One of the most common motorcycle injuries involves the peripheral nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting motor function commands from the brain to the muscles in the arms and legs. The nerves also carry sensory information from the body back to the brain for interpretation.
In motorcycle accidents, peripheral nerve damage is among the most common traumatic injuries that someone can sustain. According to the article, more than 20 million people in the United States suffer some form of peripheral nerve injury every year. Some of the most common causes of these nerve injuries include diabetes, motorcycle crashes, and physical assault. The goal of the researchers was to better understand the molecular processes involved in someone’s recovery from a peripheral nerve injury. With this information, the researchers hope to speed this recovery process and improve someone’s quality of life following a motorcycle injury.
Quality of Life Issues Following a Nerve Motorcycle Injury
The scientists discussed the severe condition of life issues following a motorcycle injury that involves the peripheral nerves. These neurons play an essential role in everyday life. When these nerves are damaged, some of the problems that people might experience include:
- Numbness and Tingling: People might lose the ability to feel anything at all in certain parts of their bodies. This might consist of the soles of the feet, the fingertips, or even entire limbs.
- Chronic Pain: Some forms of nerve damage can lead to chronic pain. This pain can make it hard for someone to run errands, do their job, or spend time with loved ones.
- Loss of Motor Function: Damage to motor nerves can make it hard for someone to coordinate meaningful movements. Without these motor nerves, people might not be able to eat, read, write, or type.
This damage can adversely impact someone’s well-being. By studying the molecular processes involved in the recovery from nerve damage, doctors will be better informed regarding how to treat patients.
Peripheral Nerves Regenerate Slowly
The research team out of UCLA has been studying the recovery of the peripheral nervous system for years. Unlike the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord, the peripheral nerves are exposed to the external environment. This is why even seemingly minor injuries can damage peripheral nerves. During this study, the researchers used multiple animal models to simulate what happens when a peripheral nerve suffers severe damage. They have tracked the regeneration process of the nerves and have discovered that, while peripheral nerves do heal, they do so at a glacial pace. On average, the nerves grow at about one millimeter per day. At this rate, it is no wonder why these nerves take so long to recover and function properly. The researchers are looking for ways to accelerate this process and restore function sooner.
The Discovery of a Controller
During their research, the research team discovered a gene that controls the rate at which peripheral nerves regrow. They found that by controlling this gene, they could also manipulate how quickly these cells recovered, accelerating their growth of peripheral nerves in animal models. The next goal is to manage this gene in human trials to expedite the recovery following a severe injury.
Now, the research team is using human stem cells. These cells have been taken from motor neurons. The team is working on developing a drug that will modify the targeted genes, speeding the regeneration of nerves in humans. Those who suffer a peripheral nerve injury in a motorcycle accident in the future might be able to use this drug to accelerate their recovery. This research holds promise for the millions of people who suffer a peripheral nerve injury every year.
Watch YouTube Video: What Are Peripheral Nerve Injuries. Doctor Jacob Brubacher from the University of Kansas Health System discusses peripheral nerve injuries and what can be done about it.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney. With more research, a motorcycle injury should heal faster than ever before. If someone you know has been seriously injured or passed away in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another person or entity, please contact me today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum & the Top One Percent.
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Photo by Trust “Tru” Katsande on Unsplash
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