Nerve transection injuries happen when a nerve is completely cut or severed, often from deep cuts, accidents with sharp objects, or serious trauma like car crashes. Because nerves carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, cutting them can cause loss of feeling, loss of movement, or both in the area the nerve controls. For example, if a nerve in the arm is transected, a person might not be able to move their fingers or feel touch in part of the hand. People may also experience tingling, burning sensations, or complete numbness.


Unlike minor nerve injuries, a fully cut nerve usually does not heal well on its own and often needs surgery. In surgery, doctors try to line up the two cut ends of the nerve and stitch them together, or sometimes use a nerve graft from another part of the body to bridge the gap. Even with surgery, recovery can be slow, because nerves grow back only a few millimeters per day. Physical or occupational therapy is usually needed to help the person regain strength and function while the nerve heals.